Diets to Help Children Focus

Many children lack focus. Whether a child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or just has difficulty paying attention in the classroom, the foods that he eats plays a role. Just as food changes how you feel, it also changes the way that you think. Eating a healthy diet can result in reduced restlessness and improved focus, especially at school.

Breakfast

• Children must always eat breakfast to help them focus. A well balanced breakfast will keep blood sugar balanced. A hungry child will not be able to focus. Give children a breakfast of whole grains, such as oatmeal. Add in a banana, strawberries or other fruit. For a special breakfast treat, make sweet potato pancakes. Avoid sugary cereals and white carbohydrates like white bread.

Protein

• A high-protein diet helps improve concentration and focus during the day. Examples of high-protein food include eggs, meat, beans and nuts. Pack a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread for lunch. Snacks such as string cheese and nuts will help children with school performance and energy. Foods that are high in protein keep blood sugar level all day long.

Carbohydrates

• Foods high in refined sugar and simple carbohydrates worsen mental focus. Avoid feeding children candy, sugar and food made with white flour and white rice. Substitute simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruit and brown rice. When feeding a child food rich in carbohydrates, pair it with protein. An ideal dinner is brown rice, broccoli and baked chicken.

Fatty Acids

• The addition of omega-3 fatty acids can improve concentration for children. They have the added benefit of keeping children full, which also improves focus. A hungry child can have concentration problems. Tuna, walnuts, olive oil and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids. If your child is resistant to eating those foods, omega-3 fatty acids are available in the form of supplements.