Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

Why Your ADHD is Making “Healthy Eating” So Hard - The Truth About Cravings, Fixations, Overeating, and Food Dyes with Rebecca King, RD

Episode Summary

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, I’m chatting with fellow registered dietitian Rebecca King about ADHD and nutrition. We discuss the various ways that ADHD can make “healthy eating” in the traditional sense much more difficult, the intersection between ADHD and eating disorders, simple hacks to help you make healthier choices with ADHD, and we debunk all of the different foods (like sugar, preservatives and food dyes) you’ve been told to cut out if you have ADHD.

Episode Notes

Fellow dietitian, Rebecca King and I (Abbey Sharp) both have diagnosed ADHD so we understand the daily struggles of having a neurodivergent mind and trying to eat well. Rebecca (aka @adhdnutritionist) specializes in an anti diet culture approach to ADHD nutrition management, helping ADHD’ers stop binge eating, learn meal planning skills, identify food triggers and improve their relationship with food. In today’s episode we discuss we cover:

• Forgetting to eat or lack of appetite leading to overeating or binging at night
• Tips for simplifying the steps of meal prep that make it too overwhelming to start
• How to deal with food hyperfixations and avoiding getting the ick
• Alternatives to sugar and other foods for dopamine 
• Why ADHD and eating disorders are so co-morbid
• How “intuitive eating” works for ADHDers
• The most important nutrition tips for ADHDers
• Unique hacks for helping us thrive with ADHD
• Facts and fiction on common ADHD “no-no” foods - do you need to cut out sugar, food dyes, preservatives, dairy and gluten?

Check in with today’s amazing guest Rebecca King, RD:

• Follow on Instagram: @adhd.nutritionist
• Book: How to Eat Well for Adults with ADHD 
• Course: Intuitive Eating for ADHD Small Group Coaching Program

Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.

References:

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