Episode 7

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Published on:

1st Dec 2023

ADHD & Food: Navigating Meal Planning with Executive Function Strategies

Ever wondered why ADHD makes meal planning feel overwhelming for so many of us?

This week we're looking at what happens when our executive functions are put to the test with organising meals and cooking - whether that's just for one or for many.

There's no need for any shame. It's about using your amazing brain differently, adding scaffolding and strategies, bringing a team on board (by stealth if necessary) and making use of things that will make daily life easier.


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https://www.bda.uk.com/find-a-dietitian.html

https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/dietetics-in-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid.html

https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/treatment



Bergwerff CE, Luman M, Blom HJ, Oosterlaan J. No Tryptophan, Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Abnormalities in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 3;11(3):e0151100. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151100. PMID: 26938936; PMCID: PMC4777504.


Aarts E, Ederveen THA, Naaijen J, Zwiers MP, Boekhorst J, Timmerman HM, Smeekens SP, Netea MG, Buitelaar JK, Franke B, van Hijum SAFT, Arias Vasquez A. Gut microbiome in ADHD and its relation to neural reward anticipation. PLoS One. 2017 Sep 1;12(9):e0183509. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183509. PMID: 28863139; PMCID: PMC5581161.


Nigg, J. T., & Holton, K. (2014). Restriction and elimination diets in ADHD treatment. *Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics*, 23(4), 937-953. [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4322780/)


Howard, A. L., Robinson, M., Smith, G. J., Ambrosini, G. L., Piek, J. P., & Oddy, W. H. (2011). ADHD is associated with a "Western" dietary pattern in adolescents. *Journal of Attention Disorders*, 15(5), 403-411. [Link](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1087054710365990)


Rucklidge, J. J. (2010). Food for thought: can nutrition improve behaviour in ADHD? *Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry*, 51(2), 130-133. [Link](https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02180.x)


Pelsser, L. M., Frankena, K., Toorman, J., & Rodrigues Pereira, R. (2017). Diet and the role of food allergy in ADHD. *European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry*, 26(3), 355-372. [Link](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-016-0906-3)


Ramsay, J. R. (2017). Cognitive behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: An integrative psychosocial and medical approach. *Routledge*. [Link](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315744834/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-adult-adhd-j-russell-ramsay)


Murphy, K., & Young, P. C. (2005). The role of family in dealing with ADHD. *Journal of Family Practice*, 54(10), 891-894. [Link](https://www.mdedge.com/familymedicine/article/59905/pediatrics/role-family-dealing-adhd)


Thomas, J. J., Lawson, E. A., Micali, N., Misra, M., Deckersbach, T., & Eddy, K. T. (2017). Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: a three-dimensional model of neurobiology with implications for etiology and treatment. *Current Psychiatry Reports*, 19(8), 54. [Link](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-017-0795-5)


Ptacek, R., Kuzelova, H., Stefano, G. B., Raboch, J., Sadkova, T., Goetz, M., & Kream, R. M. (2014). Disordered eating behavior in individuals with ADHD. *Neuroendocrinology Letters*, 35(7), 595-603. [Link](https://www.nel.edu/userfiles/articlesnew/NEL350714A12.pdf)


Bloch, M. H., & Qawasmi, A. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: systematic review and meta-analysis. *Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry*, 50(10), 991-1000. [Link](https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0890-8567(11)00611-0/fulltext)


Mousain-Bosc, M., Roche, M., Polge, A., Pradal-Prat, D., Rapin, J., & Bali, J. P. (2004). Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. *Magnesium Research*, 17(1), 46-52. [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15083400/)


Edmonds, C. J., & Burford, D. (2009). Should children drink more water?: The effects of drinking water on cognition in children. *Appetite*, 52(3), 776-779. [Link](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S019566630900041X)


Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S., Karazsia, B. T., Myers, R. E., Latham, L. L., & Singh, J. (2016). Mindfulness training for parents and their children with ADHD increases the children's compliance. *Journal of Child and Family Studies*, 25(5), 1635-1647. [Link](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10826-015-0319-2)


Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell, J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale, T. S., ... & Smalley, S. L. (2008). Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD: a feasibility study. *Journal of Attention Disorders*, 11(6), 737-746. [Link](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054707308502)


Millichap, J. G., & Yee, M. M. (2012). The diet factor in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. *Pediatrics*, 129(2), 330-337. [Link](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/2/330)


Additional Study on ADHD and Family Dynamics : Johnston, C., Mash, E. J., Miller, N., & Ninowski, J. E. (2012). Parenting in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). *Clinical Psychology Review*, 32(4), 215-228. [Link](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027


2735812000138)

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About the Podcast

ADHD Powerful Possibilities: New and Late Diagnosis & Beyond
Embracing the Reality Revolution: ADHD strategies, support and research in friendly, easy to understand PG rated episodes
Welcome to ADHD Powerful Possibilities - Here we embrace the reality of ADHD and open the door WIDE to authentic growth and success. This isn't (oh no) another ADHD podcast – it's a revolution in how we approach neurodivergence, social rules and how you can live a meaning-full life for yourself.

🌟 The ADHD Reality Revolution 🌟

Forget empty promises and quick fixes. Here, we go DEEP into the real, sometimes messy, always fascinating world of ADHD. Whether you're newly diagnosed, late-diagnosed, or supporting someone with ADHD, this podcast is your guide to navigating life's challenges with honesty, realism, and self-compassion.

💡 What Sets Us Apart? 💡

1. No Sugar-Coating: We tackle ADHD challenges head-on, acknowledging the struggles while uncovering the hidden strengths you've been ignoring.
2. Evidence-Based Insights: Blending neuroscience, positive psychology, and real-life experience to give you practical, actionable strategies.
3. Anti-Toxic Productivity: We reject hustle culture and embrace sustainable, ADHD-friendly approaches to success, knowing that we are all in need of more support, more rest and more FUN.
4. Inclusive Focus: From teens to adults, women in perimenopause to entrepreneurs – we cover the full spectrum of ADHD experiences.

🎙️ Your Host: Katherine 🎙️

I'm Katherine, your certified ADHD coach and fellow traveller on this neurodivergent journey. Diagnosed with ADHD and Autism in my 40s, I bring over 400 hours of professional training and 20 years of entrepreneurial experience to our conversations. Clients call me the "ADHD nerd version of their favorite aunty" (or mum) – a title I wear with pride!

📚 What to Expect 📚

- Weekly episodes unpacking crucial ADHD topics: from executive function to emotional regulation, time management to shame and resilience.
- Occasional experts, offering diverse perspectives on thriving with ADHD.
- Practical tips and strategies tailored for the ADHD brain.
- Short, fluff-free, and PG-rated content – perfect for listening anytime, anywhere.

🌈 The ADHD Powerful Possibilities Promise 🌈

We won't promise overnight transformations or one-size-fits-all solutions. You know that they don't work, because you've already spent enough money on them and still feel stuck.

Instead, we offer:
- A judgment-free space to explore your unique ADHD journey.
- Tools to cultivate self-awareness, autonomy, and agency.
- Strategies to reframe "accountability" and embrace possibility thinking.
- A supportive community where your experiences are validated and celebrated.

🌐 Join the Revolution 🌐

Let's turn ADHD challenges into powerful possibilities together. Subscribe now and be part of a community that's rewriting the ADHD narrative – one authentic, empowering episode at a time.

Connect with us:
- Website: https://lightbulbadhd.com/
- Instagram: @adhd_coach_katherine
- TikTok: @adhd_coach_katherine
- YouTube: @adhd_coach_katherine

Remember, your ADHD journey is unique. Here, we go beyond saying that - we celebrate it. Welcome to your ADHD Reality Revolution!

About your host

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Katherine Sanders