This episode is for the parents! As a mom of two under two, I understand the need to have healthy snacks on hand that are easy to eat on the go. I don’t have time to whip up a healthy snack before driving to daycare. Since I have ADHD, I get way too distracted to quickly make a snack before I leave the house. I need something prepped to grab and eat while I’m driving. 

Even the parents that don’t have ADHD, I’m sure you can relate! We parents are busy bees! So, let’s talk about some healthy snacks for ADHD adults that you can take on the go.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Support for ADHD parents
• Checking ingredients in snacks
• Healthy snacks for ADHD adults

ADHD Parents Need Support, Too! 

I see a lot of studies and articles about kids with ADHD but not a lot about parents with ADHD. But parents with ADHD need support, too, to keep going on a daily basis! It’s a lot of work to manage yourself and your ADHD (especially if you do it without medication, like me), much less also wrangle your kids. 

It’s important to maintain your wellness as a parent so you can show up as your best self for your kids. Prioritize workouts, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. I know it’s easier said than done, but you can do these activities with your kids, too! 

• Take them on a walk to a park
• Have them meal prep healthy snacks with you
• Ride bikes together
• Read books together

Your mental health is so important. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!

Checking Ingredients In Snacks

When it comes to picking a good snack, look at the ingredients. Make sure there isn’t any added sugar, and it’s high in protein, so it keeps you full and energetic. I think ADHD adults burn more energy than the average person because we’re always bouncing around! 

Also, look for whole-food carbs like potatoes and rice. Processed carbs like fried foods have trans fat, which sticks around in your system for a long time and slows you down. 

Healthy Snacks for ADHD Adults

These are the grab-and-go healthy food for ADHD adults (and kids, honestly). They don’t cause brain fog and keep me full and satisfied before I eat another meal.

1. Sweet Potato Chips

Yes, I’m recommending chips! They have a different way of breaking down in the body and keep us satisfied for longer. Go for red potato chips over yellow potato chips. They have more fiber, too. I feel a difference when I eat sweet potato chips vs regular potato chips. Look for no sugar or salt added and clean oils (coconut, olive, avocado, etc.)

Recommended Brand: Jacksons

2. Grass-Fed Beef Jerky

I call this the original protein bar! I love having beef jerky on hand to take with me. It’s a clean form of energy to keep you going. 

Recommended Brand: Chomp

3. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great high-protein and probiotic option to have on hand. It’s sweet, fulfilling any sweet tooth cravings you might get. Look for a brand with no added sugar or flavors – just all-natural, clean ingredients.

Recommended Brand: Siggi’s

4. String Cheese

It’s a healthy fat that keeps you going. It curbs your appetite until your next meal. String cheese has a lot of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin B. 

Recommended Brand: Babybel

5. Pre-Made Smoothies

You can buy pre-made smoothies if they have clean ingredients. But the easier way to do it is to buy frozen fruit and veggies and portion them out. Everything is pre-cut and pre-portioned, so you don’t have to think about it. You can easily grab a prepped smoothie kit, throw it in the blender, and be on your way.

You can get the best smoothie formula and recipes in my smoothie e-book!

6. Fresh Fruit or Veggies

Keep fruit or veggies on hand that you can grab and go. Here are some examples:

• Banana
• Apple
• Orange
• Berries
• Bell pepper
• Carrots
• Cucumber

Some of your favorite fresh fruits and veggies might require a little prepping, like cutting, but then you can grab them from the fridge and be on your way.

7. Nuts and Seeds

These are great healthy fats to have in your diet. I like buying individually packaged nuts, but you can also buy a big bag and portion them out. Look for brands that don’t add oils or salt – that’s where it can get to be unhealthy for you.

8. Dehydrated Fruit

I love dehydrated fruit right now. Mangoes are my favorite! Make sure it doesn’t have dehydrating substances in it, like sulfur. 

These healthy snacks for ADHD adults are my go-to’s. I love having these ready when I’m headed out the door. It keeps me from impulse buying at a fast food restaurant because I’m STARVING. I even keep things like nuts and beef jerky in my car for emergencies. They’re great for feeding your kids and will help you keep your ADHD brain clear. Enjoy!

If you liked this episode, check out…

Episode 12: The Ultimate Guide to Meal Prepping Without the Overwhelm

Episode 17: Food for Thought: How Nutrition Affects Your Mental Health