Nutrition and Mental Health

The foods that we eat have a profound effect on not only our bodies but our minds as well. Recent studies show that poor nutrition can worsen the symptoms of psychiatric issues and contribute to a decrease in energy levels, mental clarity and emotional regulation. Unhealthy foods give an immediate burst of energy that soon lead to crashes, creating fluctuations in mood that can make it more difficult to deal with stress and achieve a balanced state of mind.

At Alta Loma, we know that healthy eating is crucial for helping our residents manage their mental health. Psychiatrists at Columbia University have called good nutrition “potentially the most powerful intervention we have,” citing the numerous benefits that a healthy, nutrient-dense diet can have for the brain. A proper diet can also help residents cope with the side effects of psychiatric medications. Many of the prescribed treatments for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder lead to unwanted symptoms, such as:

• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness

To address these concerns, we have a licensed nutritionist available to meet with our residents and develop individualized meal plans that implement beneficial dietary changes. The nutritionist also leads weekly groups aimed at helping residents understand the side effects they may be experiencing and strategies for managing them more successfully with healthy meal planning and balanced nutrition. Residents will learn why healthy eating is so important, how it relates to mental health and substance use, and ways in which food can be used to alleviate the side effects of psychiatric medications.

Nutritional Support at Alta Loma

At Alta Loma, we understand the important role nutrition has in recovery. With a licensed nutritionist on staff, all meals are planned for each individual and provide the essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for optimal wellness. The ingredients we used are carefully chosen and considered within the broad scope of each resident’s preferences, dietary restrictions and symptom management. Our culinary team prepares lunch and dinner daily made with fresh ingredients and a healthy focus. Snacks that complement each resident’s nutritional plan are also provided between meals.

We also understand the importance of teaching residents the skills they need to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle once they leave our facility. Not only do residents have access to healthy meals while they’re in our program, but they will also learn how to maintain proper nutrition once they transition back to independent living. Our chef works with residents interested in learning how to cook and teaches them the skills they need to make healthy meals on their own. Residents will learn about meal planning, ingredient shopping, budgeting, food preparation and more. We also strive to incorporate examples of balanced, nutritious food that residents can recreate to demonstrate that healthy meals can be simple and convenient without being fried or frozen.

To complement the cooking skills learned from our chef, a licensed nutritionist will lead a weekly group to educate residents on proper nutrition and address concerns regarding medication side effects such as weight fluctuation or fatigue. The nutritionist will discuss how our food choices affect our overall health and teach residents how to select healthier options. Our goal is to instill healthy habits in our residents and teach them the skills they need to maintain their health on a daily basis. We don’t just want to restore their physical and mental health — we want to equip and motivate them to become truly happy, healthy and independent long after Alta Loma.