Recovery is about the mind and body-eating healthy foods to replenish the physical body but help the brain feel restored. Addiction strips nutrients from the body which makes proper nutrition all the more important. A healthy diet, however, may not be on your radar when you have so many other things on your mind. It is one of the most important things you can do for your body and mind to get back on track for overall health.
Power of Good Food
You may not be able to reverse all the damage done by your addiction but good nutrition goes a long way to repairing damaged tissues, organs and the brain’s reward centers. There are plenty of benefits but your mood will definitely be one of the first things to improve when you get healthy food in your body. Nutritional counseling and cooking classes are often part of treatment to help develop a healthy sense of self with food that will keep you feeling good while triggering a feel good chemical (dopamine). Unhealthy food can be as damaging to the mind and body as drugs or alcohol which may lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Eat Healthy
A nutritionist can identify what your body needs which is a good starting point to revitalize your body, brain chemistry and self-esteem with proper nutrition. Don’t try to do it all overnight. Start by being more mindful of what goes into your body and have fun experimenting with different recipes. Consider the following get-healthy tips to support your recovery:
- Drink lots of water to flush out toxins from the body and aid digestion
- Start with a healthy breakfast that includes protein, fiber and healthy fats (try eggs, spinach, yoghurt with granola or small pieces of fruit with oatmeal)
- Cut down or out on caffeine drinks including coffee, tea and soda which disrupt the body’s ability to sleep
- Learn to read labels to know what is in food and important ingredients for a healthy body and mind
- Avoid sugary foods and refined carbs which can create cravings for foods like cakes candies and other similar foods
- Fill up with fiber to help body recuperate
- Snack smarter with healthy snacks that keep your mood stable like carrot sticks, string cheese and some whole wheat crackers
Add in those healthy foods to help fight addiction and create a well-rounded diet for long term recovery. Your energy will improve along with your mood that will demonstrate proof of your successful commitment to a better life.
A healthy life starts with you deciding your diet matters. Taking your diet more seriously can give you a great boost in recovery. Oceanfront is here to help you recover fully, including with nutritional support for overall wellness. Call us to find out how to help you heal: 877-279-1777.
