Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting up to three million children each year. Kids with ADHD often exhibit hyperactivity, a short attention span and fidgeting. They also have trouble focusing in school. The symptoms usually lessen as a child becomes an adult, although some patients continue to experience symptoms as adults.

Typical ADHD treatments include behavioral therapy, medications, and lifestyle and dietary changes, such as scheduled bedtimes and avoiding certain trigger foods. Nutritious and delicious ADHD kid’s snacks include the following:

1. Hummus and pita triangles

Hummus is a spread made from chickpeas and sesame seeds (or tahini), which are ground together into a thick paste. Both ingredients contain folate and iron, both of which are essential for healthy brain function. Kids with ADHD also tend to have iron deficiencies compared to children without ADHD. An iron deficiency can lead to lower dopamine levels in the brain and increase the more severe symptoms. If hummus isn’t readily available near you, consider getting some from a food delivery service. Whole-wheat pita triangles make an excellent accompaniment to hummus.

2. Fruit smoothies

Since sugary drinks with caffeine exacerbate ADHD symptoms, offer your child a healthy fruit smoothie for a treat instead of a soda or processed drinking box. Include any fruit they like, such as strawberries, pineapples or mangos. Include a vitamin B6-rich banana, which will aid the brain’s neurotransmitters that control behavior. Add ice and some protein-rich Greek yogurt for thickening.

3. Apple slices and nut butter

Apples, along with oranges and kiwis, are complex carbohydrates. They contain glucose, which aids in brain function. Having these fruits as an evening snack may also help a child with ADHD sleep better. Peanut butter or almond butter goes well with apple slices. If your pediatrician has mentioned your child has a salicylate sensitivity, you may want to avoid apples as they can increase hyperactivity.

4. Veggie sticks and cottage cheese

Veggie sticks are a healthy snack for kids with ADHD. They contain no artificial colors, which are thought to make ADHD symptoms worse in kids with a sensitivity to them. Cut up some celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots and leave them in the refrigerator for when kids go looking for a healthy snack. Cottage cheese also makes a healthy, protein-rich dip. If you use a salad dressing instead of cottage cheese, make sure it does not contain sodium benzoate, a preservative that can make ADHD symptoms worse in some children.

5. Trail Mix

Trail mix is an ideal energizing snack, since a diet high in protein is recommended for kids with ADHD. Protein helps with learning and memory. While a high calorie snack, most kids with ADHD burn more calories than their peers, so weight gain isn’t typically an issue. Many medications for ADHD decrease a child’s appetite, so having some delicious dried fruit and nut mix on hand may tempt them, just ensure it’s high in protein and not full of empty calories and sugar.