Forgetting to Eat: Managing Appetite Suppression
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Just as plants need sunlight and water, your mind and body crave nourishment to truly thrive.
Managing ADHD involves navigating daily routines with intention and care. Taking medications can help you stay focused, but sometimes, the very tools that aid your focus can inadvertently cause you to neglect nourishing yourself properly. You might get so engrossed in activities that you forget to eat, or the medications themselves might suppress your appetite.
Here are some tips to help you stay nourished, even when hunger cues are elusive or eating feels like a chore:
Step 1: Set Meal Alarms
Set a series of meal alarms to remind you to eat meals regularly. Schedule breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and add a couple of snack alarms for good measure. Learn what works best for your body and routine. Some may find that eating multiple, smaller meals a day feels more doable than three big ones. Regular and consistent nourishment will help maintain your energy and focus, allowing you to embrace each day.
Step 2: Create Easy Access to Nutritious Foods
Even on busy days, convenient snack options allow you to nibble with ease, fueling your body for whatever the day may bring. Stock your pantry with nutritious grab-and-go options:
Pre-cut Fruits
Nuts
Yogurt Cups
Nut Butter Packets
Cheese Sticks
Granola
Protein Bars
Step 3: Arrange Visual Reminders
Place visual cues around your living and working spaces—a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter, a snack stash in your workspace, and a water bottle always within reach. These subtle reminders lovingly nudge you to nourish yourself, keeping you energized and supporting your overall well-being.
Step 4: Practice Mindful Eating
When you sit down for a meal, make it an intentional experience. Light a candle, play some soothing music, and savor each bite. Mindful eating connects you with the experience of refueling your body, which is beneficial for both your body and mind. We at Floriss think it also adds a touch of joy to your routine!
Step 5: Enlist Support from your Trusted Circle
Gardens thrive most beautifully through collaborative care. Share your meal schedule with friends, family, or fellow ADHD companions to cultivate consistent nourishment. Ask them to check in with you. A quick text or a playful reminder can be the caring prompt you need to stay on track with your eating habits and firmly rooted in self-care.
Remember, caring for your body is essential for pursuing your interests, hopes, and dreams. Caring for your needs allows you to thrive by creating the fertile ground for your gifts to bloom. You've got this, one delicious, nurturing step at a time. Bon appétit!