In this episode of Shoulders Down, Leah sits down with Brittany Modell to explore the nuanced relationship between ADHD, body image, and eating behaviors — and how neurodivergence can shape our experience with food in ways that are often misunderstood.

Brittany shares her personal story growing up immersed in diet culture, from early Weight Watchers meetings to navigating a lifelong sense of feeling “out of control” around food. Together, she and Leah unpack how ADHD can intensify food thoughts, disrupt hunger and fullness cues, and complicate traditional approaches to intuitive eating.

This conversation brings much-needed compassion and clarity to the intersection of neurodivergence and anti-diet work — offering a perspective that moves beyond willpower and into understanding.

You’ll hear about:

• How growing up in diet culture shapes early food and body beliefs
• The connection between ADHD and constant thoughts about food
• Why traditional nutrition advice often falls short for neurodivergent people
• How impulsivity, dopamine-seeking, and structure impact eating patterns
• What a more supportive, individualized approach to food can look like

Mentioned in this episode:

• 16 Satisfying Trader Joe’s Snack Ideas From An Intuitive Eating Dietitian
• 🌵7 Unpopular Takes on Intuitive Eating & Body Image

More From Brittany:

• Website: www.brittanymodellrd.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @nofoodfears
• Blog: Why ADHD Makes Body Image More Complicated

More From Leah:

• 📚Download your free Intuitive Eating Starter Pack
• Apply to The Embodied Method, my 1:1 coaching program
• Join my self-paced course, The Return
• Subscribe to Leah's Youtube Channel
• Subscribe to my personal Substack
• Follow me on Instagram for more intuitive eating content @leahkern.rd
• Visit my website to learn more about my coaching offerings
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get a nugget of intuitive eating inspiration delivered straight from my heart to your inbox each week.
• Send me a voice message on Speakpipe
• Email me: Leah@leahkernrd.com

🍽️ Are you overwhelmed by figuring out what to eat without the structure of diet rules? Enroll in our upcoming live workshop, WHAT TO EAT, on August 10th @ 3pm PT. Use code PODCAST at checkout to get $7 off.