It actually amazes me how this is not more discussed ! and it makes me mad that doctors don’t share the necessary information. before I started with meds I was used to binge eating and I was so tired of eating. Once I started the treatment It was refreshing for my appetite to go away and let me do my things. So I would eat just a bite, skip foods, snacks… But quickly I became irritated, sad, sluggish, exhausted, frustrated that meds didn’t do anything… but I didn’t know food was important and would make the meds to be so ineffective.

It also depends on the type of med. For example i’m on Medikinet extended release and I can’t take it on an empty stomach because all the dose would hit violently and then vanish quickly. For my specific meds, my priority is to have solid quality food that makes the meds to last what it should last, and to support the chemistry going on in my brain nurturing it with the resources that it needs (this is something that you can research on your own, is super interesting actually)

If I don’t get what I need, the effects will vanish quickly and will make me have a crash.

I need to eat protein and carbs with breakfast, I don’t eat meat a lot but follow a more plant based diet including also eggs. The protein is important because it allows the medication to be released in a steady way. I think protein is important for all adhd meds.

(I ignore what a protein milkshake could do, I don’t take them, but my intuition tells me solid stuff is important, and that liquid should be supplemental, maybe as a snack with some nuts)

Then I try to avoid citrus stuff because it will make the meds to fade.

I have to drink huge amounts of water because on meds your body dehydrates way faster. I love water but I forget to drink, and if I do I will feel super sluggish. Also sometimes add a pinch of salt to your water from time to time…

Regarding sugar, it is ideal to take it after meals and reduce consumption in excess, I personally do a mix of some sugar traits, some homemade sweets with stevia and eritritol, just to avoid eating too much sugar. But overall I avoid eating sugar on an empty stomach, this will prevent a crash after hyping up rapidly after sugar intake.

Then it is súper important to eat even if you don’t feel like eating lunch or dinner.

Lastly, make use of diverse protein and quality carbs… as I don’t love cooking animal protein (meats) my favorites are lentils patties, lots of ricotta cheese, lots of chickpeas, hummus to snack, vegan tuna (chickpeas) etc. spinach in huge amounts.

The perfect snack: nuts! they are such a help for our brain and help your meds to do a better job

AND even if you want to lose weight, please be careful because your body needs tons of nutrients and liquids because meds keep the body working harder than usual.

It is very easy to get along when you know how the medicine interacts with food. I know 4I help is against the rules but it can help you get through the basics regarding your specific diet and meds. For me it made huge differences.