You're Not Lazy-Your Brain is Wired Differently
If you've ever felt frustrated with your eating habits or weight loss journey, you're not alone-and you're not broken. As a Registered Dietitian with ADHD (and a mom of three ADHD kids), I know firsthand how differently our brains operate.
This guide breaks down the top 10 challenges we face-and how to make food work *with* your brain, not against it.
1. Impulsivity with Food Choices
Our brains crave dopamine and novelty-hello, snack attacks. What helps: Prepare go-to snacks that offer protein, crunch, and color.
2. Forgetting to Eat
We hyperfocus and lose track of time. What helps: Set alarms or visual cues so you eat before you're starving.
3. Emotional or Rejection-Based Eating
We feel deeply-food can numb that pain. What helps: Name the emotion. Make a non-food comfort list.
4. Nighttime Overeating
You finally relax... and raid the pantry. What helps: Eat enough earlier. Create a soothing nighttime routine.
5. All-or-Nothing Thinking
Perfect or disaster? ADHD brains love extremes. What helps: Practice flexible structure. 80% is enough.
6. Trouble with Meal Planning
Planning takes executive function-and that's hard. What helps: Keep 5 go-to dinners. Use visual tools.
7. Low Motivation to Cook
The kitchen can feel like *too much*. What helps: Prep just one thing. Buy shortcuts like pre-cut veggies.
8. Poor Sleep = More Cravings
ADHD sleep is a mess-and cravings follow. What helps: Stick to a calming sleep routine. Reduce screen time at night.
9. Trouble Tracking Progress
Tracking everything? Exhausting. What helps: Snap photos of meals. Do a weekly check-in, not daily.
10. Diet Culture Burnout
You've tried everything and feel stuck. What helps: Focus on energy, focus, and feeling good-not just weight.
Final Words
You are not alone-and this isn't about willpower. It's about *strategy*. When you learn to work with your ADHD brain, eating becomes easier-and you feel better.
You are not alone—and this isn't about willpower. It's about *strategy*.
When you learn to work with your ADHD brain, eating becomes easier—and you feel better.
Need help? I offer virtual 1:1 ADHD nutrition coaching across Alberta and Saskatchewan for kids, teens, and adults. I can't wait to start helping you on your journey.
xo,
SL
