Hello Again!
This is Amanda, your friendly neurodivergent BCBA. Today I’m going to delve into another important topic that impacts our daily lives but that can be especially challenging for the neurodivergent among us: meal planning.
Living with a neurodivergent brain can often mean grappling with impulse control and a propensity for boredom. And when it comes to nutrition and sticking to a meal plan, these factors can undoubtedly complicate matters. The allure of convenient fast food or spontaneous food choices may often seem more appealing compared to a pre-set meal routine.
Yet, despite these challenges, I believe that with persistence and a tailored approach, maintaining a consistent meal plan can become not just manageable, but beneficial for the neurodivergent individual.
Benefits of Consistency in Meal Planning
As with many areas of life, consistency has its unique perks when it comes to meal planning. First, having a plan simplifies decision-making – it becomes less about “what will I eat?” and more about “when do I start preparing?” This minimizes decision fatigue and provides a sense of predictability and comfort, something that many neurodivergent individuals find soothing.
Implementing and sticking to a meal plan also provides nutritional consistency. It ensures that our body receives a balanced diet because our meals and snacks are thought out and prepared ahead of time. This can, in turn, boost our physical wellbeing and support mental health, enhancing cognitive functions and managing mood swings.
Navigating the Challenges
The journey to consistent meal planning, though, will have some proverbial bumps. Let’s address them head-on:
- Impulse Control: Flexibility within consistency is key. Have go-to choices available for when cravings strike, but make sure they align with your nutritional goal. For example, if you crave sweets, fresh or dried fruits, dark chocolate, or yogurt-based desserts can be part of your plan.
- Boredom: An effective antidote to boredom is variety. Have multiple options for each meal type that you can rotate or mix and match. Explore different cuisines and experiment with various healthy ingredients to retain interest and enjoyment in your meals.
Strategies for Success
Now, let’s talk about some tactics that can aid in our journey:
- Concrete Planning: Begin with a clear, written-down plan. Decide what you’ll eat for each meal, and when possible, prepare it in advance. Having a visual meal plan can provide a tangible guide and helps keep you accountable.
- Regular Review: Regularly evaluate your plan. If you feel the onset of boredom or notice frequent impulses to deviate, it may be time to introduce new meals or adjust the existing ones.
- Harnessing Neurodivergent Strengths: If you have a tendency towards hyperfocus, use it to your advantage! Dive into researching new meals, or commit to mastering the preparation of a complex dish. Make the process exciting and engaging.
Meal planning doesn’t have to be a daily battle. Understanding the neurodivergent brain’s unique challenges and strengths can allow meaningful progress towards healthier food habits. The journey might be demanding, but the destination – a healthier, balanced life – is undoubtedly worth it.
Here’s to your health!
Best,
Amanda