A meal plan designed for kids is especially extremely important for hypoglycemics. Fatigue, dizziness, anxiety and rapid heartbeat are just a few of the symptoms that can be alleviated through a nutritious diet. Though its hard to plan ahead, there are many things you can do to ensure your child receives proper nutrients.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops to abnormally low levels. This can happen two to three hours after a person eats. A number of foods such as simple carbohydrates, refined sugar and processed food can trigger a hypoglycemic episode. Avoid feeding your child sweets, chips, crackers, baked goods and fried foods. In their place, plan meals with fresh, simple ingredients.
Breakfast and Snacks
Mornings are usually filled with the frenzied pace of getting the children ready for school. That is why making their breakfast in advance saves you the headache. The night before, create a delicious parfait by using low-fat yogurt, fruit and granola. Likewise, take low-sugar banana pudding and layer it with fresh bananas, graham cracker crumbs and peanut butter. They'll be asking you to make these fantastic meals for their snacks. It is also important that they have a healthy snack throughout the day to prevent blood sugar fluctuation. Keep them away from the vending machine with a trail mix, apple slices and carrot sticks.
Lunch
Its important for kids to not have a sugar crash at school. Sugary foods lurk everywhere, and their school's cafeteria may have a lot of processed food. Treat them with a sandwich packed with avocado, hummus, sprouts and cheese. Give them beneficial fiber with a whole-grain tortilla full of guacamole, salsa, cheese and bean dip. If you're worried about the avocado turning brown, spray on a healthy dose of lemon before packing.
Dinner
Though it's your end of the day, children are usually bouncing off the walls. You need quick recipes to get them in their seats. Kid-friendly ideas for hypoglycemics include whole wheat pasta with turkey meatballs and marinara, tacos with skinless chicken and shrimp over whole grain rice. Finish the meal with non-sugar yogurt mixed with fruit and whipped cream spread over a graham cracker crust. Hypoglycemia doesn't have to wear your child down. By setting a normal meal schedule with delicious food, he will feel great throughout the day.
Tags: your child, blood sugar, graham cracker, processed food, with fresh