Episode 1: ADHD & Nutrition - Understanding the Struggle to Eat Well
Ever wonder why “just eat healthy” feels impossible when you have ADHD? You’re not alone... and it’s not about willpower. In this episode of Bite of Mind, registered dietitians Rachel Robinson and Ilkay Baseski unpack the science behind why ADHD can make food choices, meal planning, and even remembering to eat such a challenge.
From dopamine dips and executive dysfunction to hyperfocus and sensory burnout, they reveal how the ADHD brain shapes eating habits — and share practical, judgment-free tips to make fueling your body and mind feel easier.
If you’ve ever found yourself skipping meals, bingeing late at night, or feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen, this one’s for you.
A huge thank you to our listeners for supporting us on this new adventure! We’re still figuring things out, so if you hear strange audio or a few awkward pauses… just know it’s part of the real, unfiltered journey. :)
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
02:42 ADHD is Real
05:15 Definition & Statistics
11:14 Executive Function, Dopamine & Their Impacts on Eating
24:50 Nutrition Tips
Research:
1. Reward, dopamine and the control of food intake: implications for obesity (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3124340/ 2. Role of the hippocampus in the sex-dependent regulation of eating behavior: studies with kainic acid (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3786511/)
3. Contributions of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex to energy and body weight regulation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18831000/)
4. Alterations in the hippocampal endocannabinoid system in diet-induced obese mice (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20445053/)
5. Meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of inhibition and attention in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1485446
6. Gray Matter Volume Abnormalities in ADHD: Voxel-Based Meta-Analysis Exploring the Effects of Age and Stimulant Medication (https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11020281)
7. Subcortical brain volume differences in participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults: a cross-sectional mega-analysis (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28219628/)
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not establish a provider–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
