Cooking With ADHD & Dyslexia

Have you ever noticed how one day you’re inspired to whip up a fancy meal, and the next you’re scrambling for a quick snack? That push-and-pull in the kitchen can be even more pronounced when you have dyslexia or ADHD. In this podcast episode, we explore practical ways to manage those sudden cooking urges, and the guilt that sometimes pops up when our eating routine goes off track.

We also discuss how finding a balance is vital. Forgiving ourselves for small slip-ups is part of the journey. You’ll discover how dyslexia and ADHD can shape your approach to cooking, so you can find a healthy food routine that actually works.

Finding a Food Routine That Sticks

A solid food routine can be a game-changer for people who think outside the box. Having a plan—whether it’s setting a reminder for grocery shopping or prepping ingredients in advance—keeps impulse choices to a minimum. If everything is all set, there’s less chance of reaching for that takeaway menu when you’re tired.

When you have dyslexia or ADHD, focusing can be tough. So it helps to keep meal plans simple. That means choosing a few go-to recipes you can rely on when cooking feels like a chore. Then, when you’re feeling creative, you can experiment with new flavours without the pressure of doing it every night.

Embracing the Occasional Kitchen Chaos

Cooking with dyslexia or ADHD involves accepting that some days will be easier than others. You might wake up full of energy and excitement to try something new. Other days, you’ll barely manage to assemble a sandwich.

“Not sure about you but some days I like to get super creative and cook, other days if I don’t have a food routine my diet blows up completely.”

One tip is to keep your kitchen well-stocked with basics. With a decent supply of staple ingredients, you can create simple meals that fill you up without draining your energy. There’s no need to feel guilty for reusing recipes or grabbing a quick bowl of cereal. Give yourself permission to lean on those shortcuts when focus or motivation is lacking.

Letting Go of Mistakes

Dyslexia and ADHD can come with more than a few stumbles—especially in a chaotic environment like the kitchen. Misreading a recipe might lead to missing steps or mixing up ingredients. That’s perfectly normal.

The key is to be kind to yourself. If something gets burnt or tastes a bit odd, it doesn’t mean you’re hopeless in the kitchen. Recognise it as part of the learning curve. The best chefs around the world embraced plenty of disasters early on. It’s the willingness to keep trying that really counts.

Building Confidence with Dyslexia and ADHD

The podcast delves into how important it is to trust your instincts. Some might navigate the world best by visual cues, while others find it easier to work hands-on. If step-by-step instructions feel overwhelming, consider using voice notes on your phone or quick sketches of your recipe steps.

Part of confidence-building also comes from knowing when tasks are too big to handle alone. If it’s an option, get someone to cook with you or talk through recipes while you do the steps. Turning cooking into a team effort can boost motivation and make the process more enjoyable.

For added support on your dyslexia journey, check out The Truth About Dyslexia Course. It offers helpful insights and practical techniques for feeling more at ease in your daily life, including in the kitchen.

• A routine, however simple, lowers decision fatigue.
• Stock up on basics so you’re never short of a quick meal.
• Little mishaps in the kitchen are normal—embrace them.
• Work with your strengths, whether that’s visual cues or talking aloud.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or try new ways of doing things.

Curious to hear the full conversation? Be sure to listen to the episode at the top of this page. You’ll get practical insights on cooking with dyslexia and ADHD, along with a warm reminder that it’s okay to make mistakes as you find your own path.