We strive to not only benefit our clients during their introduction to recovery, but to compliment all other forms of addiction therapy. Some examples of things we have incorporated into our nutrition program are:
Oatmeal, Granola bars, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and 100% whole wheat bread (omega-3, B-vitamins, insoluble fiber)
Increase dark leafy greens to lettuce ratio to 50/50 (iron, potassium to offset sodium from processed food diets, carotenoids for skin issues sometimes related to drug use, folate aka B-9 and magnesium for stress reduction, calcium and vitamin-k for bone health, antioxidants, regulation of blood sugar, chlorophyll to cleanse the liver, stimulates natural digestive enzymes)
Cooking vegetables by roasting, cooking with less water, and cooking for less time (reduces leaching nutrients into water during cooking)
Switching from margarine to whole butter (rich in vitamins A, E, D, and K2; also increases absorption of fat-soluble Vitamins A, E, D, and K found in vegetables and other sources, margarine is hydrogenated and may increase LDL bad cholesterol, and decrease HDL good cholesterol) Italian vinaigrette, olive oil based salads, and olive oil for cooking (omega-3, monounsaturated fats, decreases use of hydrogenated oil, antioxidants that fight disease)
All canned fruit is in juice, not syrup (lower in simple sugars which can increase stress on organs, and negatively impact sleep/wake cycle)
Increase in whole foods, over processed foods (we cook meat on the bone and in its raw form to benefit smooth digestion, regulate insulin levels, and decreasing the amount of processed meats and packaged sauces, sometimes containing high sodium and food additives, increasing amounts of trace minerals and nutrients found in unprocessed meats, vegetables, and snacks, wide varieties of different fibers and proteins promote healthy gut bacteria growth which can benefit neurotransmitter production)
Decrease frequency of processed sugar snacks, increase frequency of low-glycemic snacks (Alcohol addiction is also a psychological addiction to sugar according to the book “Nutritional Essentials for Mental Health” by Leslie E. Korn. Although it can help with withdrawal early in recovery, it should be managed in the long term because increased sugar intake can exacerbate cravings. Over consumption of added sugar, and simple carbohydrates may increase risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes, inflammation, fatty-liver disease, heart disease, and depression.)
Encourage and educate clients on balance, variety, and moderation (the introduction of one on one dietary consults are increase client knowledge of heathy foods, and increasing awareness of the most current information on nutrition health and wellness. It gives them an opportunity to discuss and formulate their own health and wellness goals, and communicate about goal development in a client-centered environment. We are able to include consultations which may include our client’s relationship with food, and how that relationship has been affected by substance-use disorder. Each client is made aware I am not a dietitian or nutritionist, and that my degree is in Culinary Arts)
Health and wellness: Focusing on goal development, incremental growth, accomplishment versus relief, and nutrition. Questions and answers are a significant part of this process.
Access to information: We have prepared optional reading material for clients interested in nutrition, physical fitness, and grocery shopping lists for a family of 1-2 including healthy recipes. In addition clients are encouraged to seek out information they want on certain topics; most commonly info to gain muscle, foods to benefit memory, eating with diabetes or heart disease, exercising with heart disease, and many more. More specifically, we have meal plans that have been verified by registered dietitians for clients suffering from type-2 diabetes, low sodium, high-potassium, eating disorders and more. We also encourage counselors to reach out about eating disorders, including overeating and cross addiction)
