How Nutrition is Impacted by ADHD with ADHD Nutrition Research Expert Annika Angelo

If food and eating feel like one more thing your ADHD brain can’t quite get a grip on, you are so not alone. And this week’s Calm Your Nervous System podcast episode is for you.

I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Annika Angelo, an ADHD-specialised nutritionist who gets it on every level. Not just because of her training but because she's been there too.

We talked all things ADHD, food, emotions, and survival mode including why traditional advice often doesn’t work for neurodivergent folks, and how you can start shifting your relationship with food without guilt or overwhelm.

Here’s a little taste of what we cover:

• The real reason binge eating and unintentional restriction happen with ADHD

• How minority stress and neurodivergence affect eating habits

• The role of medication and how it actually supports healthier nutrition

• Why you’re not “lazy” for struggling to cook, it’s often decision fatigue

• What intuitive eating really looks like when you have ADHD

• And how nervous system regulation can calm emotional eating triggers

This isn’t a “fix your food” episode. It’s an invitation into self-awareness, compassion, and choice. Whether you’re someone who forgets to eat or someone who uses food to self-soothe (or both 🙋‍♀️), you’ll walk away feeling more seen and supported.

Skip ahead to what you need…

00:00 Introduction to Nutrition and ADHD

01:32 Annika's Journey into Nutrition and Mental Health

04:53 The Intersection of Minority Stress and ADHD

07:52 Understanding Eating Behaviors in ADHD

11:14 Unintentional Restriction and Binge Eating

14:08 Managing Hunger and Nutrition

17:17 The Importance of Accommodations in Eating

20:19 Decision Fatigue and Food Choices

23:08 Communicating Needs in Relationships

24:01 Finding Enjoyment in Cooking

26:51 Navigating Emotions Around Food

30:34 Understanding Distraction and Eating Habits

32:10 The Impact of Overeating and ADHD

38:24 The Role of Medication in Managing ADHD

46:21 Practical Tips for Managing ADHD and Nutrition

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DISCLAIMER: Everything mentioned in this podcast is only my/my guests’ opinion and should not be a substitute for seeing a medical professional. Please seek advice from your doctor and confirm with them that they are happy for you to implement something you heard on the podcast.