Healthy Foods For Hyper Kids

It is normal for toddlers and young children to be very active and to have short attention spans, according to Medline Plus. But a 2007 study published in the medical journal Lancet showed a link between food additives, including sodium benzoate and food colorings, and hyperactivity in children. A healthy diet for hyper kids should include a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy foods, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Whole Grains and Starches

Grains provide energy, B vitamins and minerals. Encourage kids to eat more whole grains. Whole grains contain fiber and help keep the digestive system healthy. Whole grains also tend to be less processed and less likely to contain food additives. If you are concerned about hyperactivity in your kids, read food labels to limit their intake of these food additives. Healthy whole grains and starches include whole-wheat bread, whole-grain cereals, oatmeal, whole-grain crackers, air-popped popcorn, whole-grain tortillas, brown rice and whole-wheat pasta. Kids need three to five servings of whole grains and starches a day, depending on their age.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, folate and fiber. Kids need 2 to 4 cups of fruits and vegetables a day, depending on their age. Offer kids a variety of fruits and vegetables each week to vary their nutrient intake. Healthy choices for hyper kids include apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, berries, melons, carrots, broccoli, green beans, peas, corn and spinach. Offer whole fruit more often than juice to increase fiber intake.

Dairy Foods

Dairy foods provide kids with calcium and vitamin D for bone health and growth. All kids older than age two should be drinking low-fat milk and eating low-fat dairy products. Kids need two to three servings of dairy foods a day. Healthy choices for hyper kids include milk, cheese and yogurt.

Meats and Beans

Meats and beans provide kids with protein, iron, zinc and magnesium. Offer kids freshly prepared meats, instead of processed meats like chicken nuggets and hot dogs, to limit food additive intake. Healthy choices include poultry, fish and lean red meat. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have lower levels of essential fatty acids. While studies have not proven that increasing intake improves behavior, it is important to offer kids food sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and tuna.

Beans offer a healthy alternative to meat, and in addition to being a good source of protein they also provide fiber. Healthy bean choices for active kids include kidney beans, garbanzo beans and black beans. Kids need two to five servings of meat and beans a day.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats include oils, margarine, nuts and seeds. These monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol, according to the Kids Health website. Healthy choices for hyper kids include olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, soft margarine, walnuts, almonds, peanut butter, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds. Walnuts and flaxseeds are also a source of omega-3 fatty acids.