Nowadays, many of us are aware of the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. Whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, it is something many of us are aware of. It plays a role in our physical health.
In this post, the focus will be nutrition with regards to ADHD. So let’s dive into it!
How ADHD Can Impact our Eating Habits
When it comes to food and nutrition, there are some aspects of ADHD that can affect these things. Some ADHD traits can affect the way we may view food, which then will have an impact with our eating habits.
Some traits can also impact our eating habits.
- Forgetfulness – forgetting that we’re making something to eat
- Impulsivity – reaching for a snack instead of making a meal
- Analysis paralysis – with everything going on in our minds and all the options, it can be difficult to make a decision
Another aspect of ADHD that can impact this is that the ADHD brain craves dopamine. This can lead to consuming sugar and carbs which helps raise dopamine levels.
ADHD Struggles with Food
There are several areas that ADHDers may struggle with, when it comes to food. Here are some examples.
- Mindlessly eating. It can be difficult for those with ADHD to be aware and mindful of what they eat, how much they eat, etc. May eat larger portions. Eat more calories than they know.
- Impulsive eating. At times, those with ADHD may eat their food faster and this can lead to eating more.
- Emotional eating. This can be a struggle as those with ADHD struggle with emotional regulation.
- Picky eaters. Due to how we may perceive food and some sensitivity issues, it’s not uncommon for ADHDers to be picky eaters.
Foods to Include & Those to Avoid
Nowadays, most, if not all, of us are aware that some foods are healthier than others.
When it comes to the ADHD brain, some foods may not only be unhealthy for us, but may also make our symptoms worse. The opposite is just as true. Healthy foods can help improve our executive functions and lessen our ADHD symptoms.
First off, here are some foods that help our ADHD brain.
- Protein rich foods. These types of foods can help with mood, attention and alertness.
- Healthy fats. Can be helpful for heart health, memory and the immune system.
- Complex carbohydrate.
Now, here are some foods that can worse ADHD symptoms and should be avoided or at a minimum.
- Soft drinks.
- Artificial additive
- Foods high in sugar
- Junk food
Points to Keep in Mind
No matter who you are, making some changes and healthier choices can be difficult and takes time. Having ADHD can add some extra challenges.
However, that being said, it is possible to make those changes you want to make.
Here are some tips that can help you manage your nutrition and have a healthier lifestyle.
- Drink as much water as possible.
- Have some fruits and veggies handy to munch on.
- Work on creating a schedule of when you eat meals.
- When cooking a meal, keep things simple.
As difficult as it may be to make changes, focus on the big picture and remember that it will be worth it.
