Nutrition is vital to your overall health, especially in addiction recovery. Long-term substance abuse can lead to severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as people who drink or use drugs may be more prone to making unhealthy food choices and skipping meals. As an addiction worsens, formerly healthy people tend to let their good eating habits fall by the wayside once drinking or drug use takes over their lives.
Substance misuse can lead to disordered eating, such as when addicts binge on unhealthy foods or get most of their daily caloric intake from alcohol. Years of drug and alcohol use can also damage your digestive system and leave it less capable of absorbing vital nutrients from your food, even if you take steps to eat a sensible, healthy diet.
After you stop using alcohol or drugs, your nutrition needs will be higher than average, and you’ll need to eat whole, balanced meals daily. In observation of National Nutrition Month, learn how Vista Taos has made it a top priority to provide our clients with healthy foods that promote recovery.
About Our Executive Chef
At Vista Taos, professionally prepared meals are one of our leading amenities. We hired Executive Chef Joseph Martinez to oversee our meal planning and ensure residents in our primary treatment program get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, organic ingredients and small amounts of sustainably sourced meats.
As a professional chef since 2012, he takes pride in each meal’s nutritional value, deliciousness and presentation. He also views food as an essential way to build community. Knowing where your food comes from and eating seasonally are beneficial for your body and our environment, which is why he has nurtured close relationships with local farmers and ranchers.
Foods That Promote Recovery
Often, unhealthy eating habits and addiction go hand in hand. Unfortunately, this combination can disrupt many essential brain and body functions, leading to cognitive issues, mood disorder, muscle atrophy, heart irregularities and immune system suppression.
A balanced diet for recovery should include:
- Targeted B vitamins to help stabilize neurological function and decrease anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, broccoli, avocados and peppers
- Digestive herbs like ginger, turmeric and cinnamon
- Probiotics to detoxify Candida overgrowth
- Fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi
- Plenty of water to flush harmful substances out of the body and aid in detoxification
- Healthy fats and proteins
- Limited sugar and carb intake
- Fatty acids like those found in nuts and seeds
- Reduced caffeine consumption to improve sleep hygiene
Commit to Your Health and Well-Being
In addiction recovery, the foods you eat can become your most powerful tools. As your body begins to heal from the inside out, you will start to feel the difference a healthy diet can make. Nourishing yourself can also help prevent a relapse by keeping your mood stable and bringing your physical and mental health back into balance.
At Vista Taos, we prioritize providing all our clients with a wholesome, varied diet, including fresh shakes with a twist of New Mexico flavor. Here, nutrition provides clients a way to begin being gentle with themselves, loving themselves and taking care of themselves. At our accredited, family-owned addiction treatment center, mealtime is a valuable time not only for dining, but also for bringing people together in an environment that fosters friendships and a sense of belonging. To learn more about starting your recovery journey here, please contact us today.
