adhd and diet

Music Man was diagonesd with ADHD in kindergarten. His pediatrician also diagnosed me. Farm Boy hasn't received an official diagonosis although if you read the "symptoms list" he probably meets the requirements.

None of us have ever been on medication. I knew I was not going to medicate Music Man and my pediatrician agreed not to. I went home and began researching alternatives to medication and quickly found a food elimination diet called the Feingold Program. The Feingold Program eliminates artificial flavors and  colors as well as three petroleum-based preservatives - BHA, BHT and TBHQ. (Yeah you read that correctly - there is crude oil by-product in those babies. Ewww!) We are also very sensitive to artificial (chemically created) smells found in air fresheners, candles and cleaning products. 

We began Feingold in between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2006 and have never looked back. The hubby and I were not completely diligent on the plan when we first started. He has never stayed true to it, however, I would only eat unapproved food when the boys were not around or if I knew they wouldn't want it (like Chinese food!) As my body got used to more and more approved food I showed more reactions to things when I went off-plan. Now I stay on the plan 99% of the time since I feel so bad when I am not on it. 

Over time and especially over the last year, I have gravitated towards more whole foods (traditional) eating. This means less processed foods and more fresh fruits and vegetables. Lately I have been leaning more towards a paleodiet) lean meats, fruits, vegetables and nuts) to help combat my hypoglycemia. A huge bonus is weight loss and of course with it being completely free of processed foods, allows me to control my ADD.

I bake most of our bread. I was graciously gifted a Zo last fall and it has made a remarkable difference in my bread baking. It is not necessary, but I cannot praise it enough! I throw all of the ingredients in for our favorite recipe and 2-1/2 hours later I have a perfect loaf of bread. Before my Zo, I was using the dough cycle and baking my bread. 


Clean eating is good eating. I challenge you to give it two months. Two months of clean eating - nothing artificial. You will be amazed at how much better food tastes when it isn't covered up with artificial junk. And your body will thank you for it!