Dr. Monica Johnson, a licensed psychologist specialized in ADHD, dives into the intricate relationship between ADHD and eating habits. She explores how distractions and forgetfulness impact meal planning and eating routines, especially for women. The discussion highlights common issues like impulsive eating and emotional bingeing, while also offering practical tips for cultivating healthier patterns. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of enjoying food without guilt, promoting a balanced approach to eating that enhances overall well-being.
ADHD in women can lead to disordered eating patterns, as impulsivity and inattention contribute to mindless snacking and neglecting meal times.
Mindful eating practices, such as engaging fully during meals and avoiding distractions, can help improve the relationship with food for those with ADHD.
Deep dives
The Impact of ADHD on Eating Patterns
ADHD can significantly influence women's eating habits, often leading to disordered eating patterns such as binge eating or bulimia. Research indicates that girls with ADHD are more likely to develop these issues, with one study showing a 3.6 times increased likelihood compared to their peers without ADHD. Emotional eating often becomes a coping mechanism, where individuals use food to manage stress or unwanted emotions, resulting in unhealthy food choices. Additionally, impulsivity and inattention associated with ADHD can exacerbate these behaviors, leading to mindless snacking and neglecting regular meal schedules.
Strategies for Healthier Eating Habits
Mindful eating emerges as a valuable practice for individuals with ADHD, encouraging awareness and focus during meals to improve the relationship with food. This involves engaging fully with the eating experience, avoiding distractions, and distinguishing between physical hunger and emotional cravings. Structured meal times and having accessible healthy food options are essential strategies that can help mitigate impulsive eating choices. Furthermore, rethinking the moral judgments attached to food can promote a healthier mindset, allowing for moderation without guilt or shame, ultimately fostering a more positive approach to nutrition.
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Navigating ADHD: Understanding Eating Patterns and Mindful Practices
Imagine sitting down for a meal, but somehow, you can’t quite focus on the food in front of you. You’re either distracted by the things around you, or the never-ending to-do list in your head. For many women with ADHD, eating often feels like an afterthought.
In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson explains how ADHD impacts eating habits. From planning meals in advance to impulsive eating and forgetting to eat altogether. Listen as she shares the unique challenges women face in maintaining healthy eating patterns. And learn ways to have a more balanced relationship with food.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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