During recovery, there are a variety of foods best avoided in order to return the body to state of optimum health. Education regarding proper diet and creating and cooking delicious and healthy meals can provide addicts with a healthy activity to keep them occupied and interested in something other than using.
In addition, a well-planned diet can also cater to specific health issues, commonly exacerbated by addiction.
Filling Your Body With Empty And Unhealthy Calories
Alcoholics generally receive about half of their daily calorie intake from drinking. Because many alcoholics often find themselves with lacking judgment in situations filled with salty, greasy and fatty food items, many do not receive enough nutrition to maintain proper health. As such, one of the initial steps in our recovery program is the restoration of dietary balance. This means choosing healthy food items whilst removing alcohol and sugary beverages from the diet.
Weight Gain From Excess Drinking
Many of our recovering alcoholics lack in physical health by the time they finally seek help. Perhaps the most common health issue seen in newly recovering alcoholics is obesity – due to the steady intake of empty calories consumed while drinking. For alcoholics struggling with obesity, sweets and junk foods should be avoided at all costs. In addition, recovering alcoholics should attempt to burn more calories than consumed on a daily basis to help shed excess weight.
Obesity-Related Conditions Caused From Alcoholism
Conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol often go hand-in-hand with obesity. Dunes clients who are struggling with these conditions are provided healthy yet delicious foods with lowered sodium, fat, cholesterol and salt levels. Our chef works with our accredited dietician and nutritionist for your best interest in recovery.
Malnutrition From Long-Term Drinking
After a period of consuming low-quality foods, many alcoholics find themselves lacking the nutrients necessary to maintain proper health. Over a long enough period, these individuals may become malnourished and starved of essential minerals and vitamins. Lacking these nutrients, alcoholics incur a heightened risk of conditions such as anemia, osteoporosis, or worse. At The Dunes East Hampton, we provide our clients sophisticated foods high in minerals and vitamins. Daily multivitamins may also help promote a proper nutritional balance during early recovery health efforts.
Healthy Recipes For Alcoholism Recovery Health!
Thai Lettuce Wrap
Before we wrap things up…. Check out this delicious Thai lettuce wrap recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 Head of Romaine lettuce, washed and separated
- 3 Cups of chicken, cooked and cut into bite-sized portions.
- 1 Pkg. of Ramen noodles, cooked and cooled (without the seasoning packet or only part of the seasoning packet). We recommend healthier, all-natural ramen noodles found in many groceries.
- 1 carrot & 1 cucumber, thinly sliced with a vegetable/julienne peeler
- 1 Cup (more or less) of peanut sauce
Directions:
- Build your lettuce wraps by layering the chicken, noodles, carrots and cucumbers in the fold of a piece of lettuce.
- Drizzle with peanut sauce & enjoy!
Feast on our other healthy recipes for addiction recovery on our Pinterest Board!
