On the heels of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics March’s “National Nutrition Month®,” we wanted to discuss the importance of diet and nutrition in recovery. In every substance abuse recovery there is the goal of changing negative behaviors into positive ones. Eating right, relaxing and exercising all play an important role in helping you make these changes. Choosing to eat healthy is crucial to sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

We naturally assume that food affects our physical body but it also affects our mood. Deficiencies in amino acids and nutrients like folic acid and B-vitamins can have tremendous negative impact on how we feel. Sugar and caffeine are two big culprits in sabotaging one’s mood.
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Practicing mindfulness in recovery is a great tool. So what is mindfulness? Psychology Today describes mindfulness as “a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.” 

How can this help in your recovery? Practicing mindfulness in recovery can help manage stress and prevent relapse. It’s been proven effective for building coping skills that arise from various psychological issues and that are often the reason one turns to drugs and alcohol in the first place. Mindfulness can be a great tool in helping to overcome urges and cravings. By fostering mindfulness you might notice: Read more →

Finding a healthy approach to Mardi Gras can be challenging. It is not a time of year known for its balance and moderation. In fact, those two goals seem to go against the essence of the season, and it can be a difficult time of year for someone in drug or alcohol recovery. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy the festivities without overindulging.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras is a time of feasting that’s for sure. Maybe this year you could take a new angle of it and try some of the amazing, yet healthy restaurants that are popping up all over the city. Splurge a little this time of year on eating out and trying all the healthy options the city has to offer. Sip on juice or a smoothie instead of a Daiquiri as you stand on the neutral ground and yell for beads. To get that King Cake fix check out the low-sugar options at The Green Fork and Breads on Oak.

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