**Friendly Note
I’m sharing my personal journey with ADHD and medication in this post. Everyone’s brain is different, and what worked for me might not work for you. If you’re curious about medication or wondering if it’s right for you (or your child), please chat with your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
My Struggles With Focus and Learning
For most of my life, I struggled quietly with focus, memory, and learning. In high school, I would spend hours staring at notes, reading the same thing over and over, and yet—nothing stuck. University was even harder. I remember once locking myself in a closet for hours, trying desperately to memorize information for a single test. I’d learn something, and then poof—it was gone. No matter how hard I worked, I couldn’t keep up. I honestly thought I was stupid.
A Decade Later: Seeing ADHD Through My Kids
At 37 years old, something shifted. I started noticing the same struggles in my kids—difficulty retaining information, frustration with studying, and the constant sense of “why is this so hard for me when it seems so easy for others?”
During the pandemic, when we were homeschooling, the red flags became impossible to ignore. Watching my kids struggle was like reliving my own school years. That was my wake-up call.
I had them tested, and the results were clear: all three of my kids had ADHD. Suddenly, the pieces of my own life started falling into place. Over the next five years, I began to see how many coping strategies I had created just to survive and blend in with what I thought were “normal brains.”
Living With Big Emotions
Looking back, I realize I always carried big feelings. I took things personally. I would get overwhelmed by the smallest things and couldn’t understand why.
Learning more about ADHD through my kids’ diagnoses gave me something I had never had before—self-understanding.
Starting ADHD Medication as an Adult
Eventually, I made the decision to start ADHD medication—around the same time my kids did. And honestly? It was game-changing.
Now, I want to be clear: I’m not here to tell anyone to start medication. ADHD stimulants aren’t for everyone. But for me, they gave me something I had never experienced before—clarity.
My brain wasn’t constantly buzzing with a million thoughts. I couldn't finish one task without starting five others.
I connected with my husband, kids, and friends on a deeper level because I could actually remember what they told me.
Everyday tasks that used to feel impossible—like dishes, laundry, or cleaning—suddenly felt manageable.
It was like finally having breathing room in my own head.
The Challenges and Side Effects of Stimulants
That doesn’t mean the journey was easy. I had to trial different medications—and not all of them worked for me.
Some increased my anxiety.
One wrecked my sleep.
I experienced dry mouth and loss of appetite.
I had energy dips at inconvenient times that made eating a struggle.
This part of the process was frustrating. But I learned that finding the right medication and dose is about trial and error—and it works best when paired with nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle habits that support the ADHD brain.
Why Nutrition Still Matters With ADHD Medication
Even with the right medication, ADHD isn’t solved by a pill alone. Medication gave me clarity, but it’s nutrition, sleep, and exercise that keep me steady.
Protein at meals helps balance appetite changes and keeps blood sugar stable.
Healthy snacks prevent the ADHD medication crash when you’re not hungry but your body still needs fuel.
Targeted ADHD supplements support focus, mood, and brain health.
Sleep hygiene reduces stimulant side effects like insomnia.
Exercise and structure give my brain consistency and help regulate emotions.
Medication helps me function, but nutrition helps me thrive. It’s the combination that allows me to show up fully as a mom, wife, friend, and ADHD dietitian.
Final Thoughts: Finding What Works for You
If you’re living with ADHD, know this: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Medication may be part of the puzzle—or it may not be right for you. What matters is finding the support system that allows your brain to work with you, not against you.
For me, ADHD stimulants were a turning point. But pairing them with nutrition and lifestyle strategies has been the key to creating lasting focus, calmer emotions, and a healthier connection with myself and my family.
If you’re curious about how nutrition can support your ADHD brain—whether you take medication or not—I’d love to help you find your balance.
