Nutritionists share four eating habits for people with ADHD

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Nutritionists have recommended four eating habits that may help people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) meet their nutritional needs more regularly.

On the EatingWell website on Saturday (17 October), registered nutritionists Johnna Hartenstine and Jayden Montejano suggested setting meal times, keeping drinking water within easy reach, eating foods containing protein and fibre, and simplifying cooking and washing-up.

ADHD can affect executive function, the mental skills that help people plan, start and remember tasks. This can make it difficult for some people to organise meal times, remember to drink, or prepare food consistently.

Hartenstine said nutritional intake plays an important role in providing energy, supporting effective sleep and maintaining clear thinking. Regularly neglecting food needs can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Secondly, placing drinking water somewhere clearly visible can help people remember to stay hydrated. A transparent water bottle, for example, allows someone to keep track of how much they have drunk throughout the day.

Thirdly, the nutritionists recommend combining protein and fibre in meals and snacks. Both take longer to digest than refined carbohydrates alone, which can help people feel full for longer and maintain stable energy levels.

Simple options include spreading peanut butter on bread, adding nuts to a salad, or eating an apple with nuts as a snack.

Montejano also recommends using food containers that can be eaten from directly, reducing the washing-up required afterwards.

New habits can also be established by linking them to existing routines, setting reminders on a phone and keeping snacks somewhere easy to see.

However, research into specific diets as the best way to manage ADHD remains limited. No single food or diet has been proven to cure the condition. Changes to eating habits should therefore be viewed as a way to support nutritional needs, not as a substitute for medical treatment.