With addiction recovery comes healing and replenishment of the mind, body, and soul. It can take years to build strength and resilience over the trauma, difficult circumstances, and substance abuse that overtook our lives.
While it isn’t talked about as often, nutrition plays a crucial role in how our body functions and recovers.
Research has shown that our diet has a huge impact on our overall wellness. What we eat is what fuels us – so if we’re eating unhealthy foods and not taking care of ourselves properly, we won’t function at our best.
A Body in Need
Many individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use orders have poor nutritional habits. They are often malnourished and don’t have the time, energy, or motivation to plan healthy meals. Once a person is accustomed to an unhealthy diet, incorporating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats can be a challenge – but it’s critical if you want to escape the cycle of unwellness and have the energy you will need to battle your issues.
Fuel Your Body
Once you enter treatment, proper nutrition becomes an integral part of the healing process. Follow these guidelines to help ensure that you get the nutrition you need to heal in recovery:
- Drink more water. Research has shown that our mind and body need lots of water each day to stay hydrated. Have you been drinking enough water, or putting it off?
- Eat more vitamins. There are several vitamins that can help our body regulate chemicals that were likely depleted from addiction. Multivitamins are a great source of proper nutrients as well.
- Get plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids. Are you eating eggs, walnuts, avocados, bananas, and greens? If not, you may want to add more to your daily diet
- Get plenty of exercise. Do you allow yourself a 15-30 minute walk each day, at least? Movement is so good for us to feel grounded and to remain healthy.
- Eat small snacks throughout the day. Do you have small snacks that you can eat throughout the day – snacks that are healthy? Speak with your nutrition therapist to get some ideas that are tailored to you.
By proactively focusing on your nutrition each and every day, you’re more likely to experience an enhanced addiction recovery and continue to make progress.
If you’re ready to seek help, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
Proper nutrition helps people in recovery find the strength they need to improve their mental and physical health. At Alta Loma, we understand the importance of healthy eating and provide our residents with dietary support and nutrition education as they work towards long-term, sustainable recovery. Call us today at (866) 457-3843.
