Episode #11
Amber Macintosh: NUTRITION AND NEURODIVERGENCE | Understanding Safe Foods
Why are safe foods so often beige, and what does that tell us about neurodivergence? In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan sits down with ADHD nutrition coach Amber Macintosh to explore the complex relationship between neurodivergence, food and nutrition. As an autistic and ADHD woman herself, Amber shares her journey to diagnosis and how understanding her own sensory needs shaped the way she now supports other neurodivergent people. Together, they explore why safe foods are so often carb-based, how sensory sensitivities and dopamine-seeking behaviours can influence what we eat, and why nutrition advice needs to be practical and tailored to each person's individual needs. They also discuss blood sugar, the gut-brain connection, the importance of protein and key nutrients, and how to approach food during periods of autistic burnout. This episode explores : ️ Why food and nutrition can be particularly complicated for neurodivergent people ️ The connection between ADHD, autism and sensory sensitivities around food ️ Why safe foods are often carb-based ️ How dopamine and blood sugar interact with food cravings ️ The importance of protein and key nutrients for neurodivergent brains ️ The gut-brain connection and supporting gut health ️ How to navigate selective eating and texture sensitivities ️ Making food more accessible during autistic burnout ️ The relationship between neurodivergence, disordered eating and eating disorders ️ Why ‘fed is better than not fed’ when capacity is low Tune in for a compassionate conversation about nutrition and neurodivergence, and how small, realistic changes can help us better support our brains and bodies without getting lost in the nutrition rabbit hole. Contact Spicy Brain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain , the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/ Follow Amber: Website: https://www.ambermacintosh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberscoaching
