MindCheck is the Weekly Wednesday Kids Mental Health series with Dr. Ray Pataracchia N.D. MindCheck provides in depth information on the orthomolecular approach to coping with mood and/or behavior disorders. The MindCheck Health Series is endorsed by the Mindful Network – ‘A Better Future for Children’s Mental Health’.
Have you considered adding a practical lifestyle change in your household, one that can improve the health of you and your kids
Resolutions for Parents and Kids
Kids follow parental behavior and therefore parents that set a good example can help their kids live a healthier lifestyle.
Healthy Options for Parents and Kids – Start the Year off Right
1.) Eat 3 main meals a day to maintain adequate intake of food and drink to provide your body with needed nutrients.
2.) Eat a high protein breakfast. By doing this you curb sweet cravings and vent away from fast carbohydrates that only give you a transient surge of energy.
3.) Eat your veges. Vegetables are high in fiber, magnesium and other vitamins and antioxidants.
4.) Take a B-complex vitamin with breakfast.
5.) Get a good night sleep by getting to bed on time and if needed, follow the suggestions provided in my good night sleep blog.
6.) Eliminate one of the two major food sensitive protein groupings, that is gluten/gliadin (i.e. wheat, barley, rye, kamut, spelt, and oats) or casein/whey (i.e. dairy).
Take One Step at a Time
Do one thing to start. There are six options listed above, all are good but let’s be realistic and start slow. Make a decision on which of the above 6 healthy options are the most important for you and do that first. If that doesn’t work, try another option high on the list. This hierarchy approach may serve you well and before you know it, this small step may be one of the most important changes to achieving wellness. This positive response can then propel you to go on and try other options listed.
To recap, pick one of the 6 options above and if it’s working, add another one. Keep it simple (KISS theory), don’t overload yourself or your family with too many changes.
Measuring Progress
I often find that many clients need to appreciate changes that they make and how this impacts their quality of life. The changes may be profound.
I do a HOD test on teenagers and adults that assesses behavior and when clients see the change in mood or thinking, they are then impelled to maintain their regimen and follow it stringently.
Many prospective patients become clients when they do our Brain Quiz and see that they have symptoms that may be related to nutritional causes. This is a good starting point and with targeted therapy we can work together to address imbalances unique to the individual.
Being Honest with how you feel after changing your diet
Foods that make you sick are to be avoided. If your kids feel lousy after eating pizza lunch or if they feel worse on weekends when they eat more sweets, then this should tell you and them something.