ADHD Food Hyperfixation and How to Work With It

You’ve eaten the same thing for lunch and dinner for three weeks - it tastes great, is comforting and with all the repetition you’ve perfected the process of making it. 

Then, tragically, out of no where something shifts and you’re done with it! The thought of this meal makes you feel nauseaous. You’ve got the ick and avoid this food for the next 8 months </3  

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone - this is ADHD food hyperfixation and its so common.

What is ADHD Food Hyperfixation?

ADHD food hyperfixation is when someone with ADHD eats the same meal or food over and over because it feels familiar, comforting or easy to prepare. This repetetive eating pattern is common in people with ADHD and is usually tied to executive dysfunction, heightened sensory needs and dopamine-seeking behaviour.

Neurotypical approaches to meal planning can quickly become very overwhleming and draining, so the ADHD brain will often gravitate toward predictable foods that reduce stress and are satisfying. So eating the same thing every day can feel really good - until it doesnt. Many people with ADHD also experience a sudden loss in interest in that food, aka ‘the ick’, and have to switch it up immediately.

ADHD and food habits often look inconsistent form the outside, but they make perfect sense once you understand how how the ADHD brain works.

Hyperfixation meals aren’t the problem - they’re a cue to build supportive and flexible routines. 

Ways to Work with ADHD Food Hyperfixation

If you find yourself stuck in a loop of eating the same meal every day, know that ADHD food hyperfixation isn’t something you need to fix - it’s just something you can work with. 

These repetative eating patterns are often your brain’s way of coping with decision fatigue, low motivation and sensory overwhlem. 

Instead of trying to force variety, try building in a little flexibility while still honouring what’s working for you right now.

Here are a few ADHD-friendly strategies to support your food habits:

Rotate 3-5 safe meals

Create a mini ‘meal rotation’ of go-to meals you enjoy and keep it somewhere you can see it! Like on the fridge. This reduces pressure to constantly try something new, while preventing burnout frome eating the same food everyday. 

Batch and freeze your hyperfixation meals

When you’re in the process of loving a certain meal, make extra portions and freeze them. This helps reduce potential waste and gives you an easy option to come back to when that food feels good again later. 

Swap one element at a time

Instead of changing the whole meal, try swapping just one part - like switching the sauce, carb or protein. This keeps the familiar structure (which your ADHD brain likes!) while adding some subtle novelty. 

Keep a ‘meal mood board’

Start a visual or written list of past meals you’ve liked! Either making an album on your phone, in the notes app or a physical mood board. When you experience the ick with your current favourite, you wont be starting froms scratch - you’ll have a menu of ADHD-friendly meals to return to.

Release the guilt

Repetetive eating isn’t lazy or unhealthy. Your ADHD eating patterns are shaped by your brain’s need for structure, stimulation and simplicity. Trust that you’re doing your best in this moment :)