Nutrition plays an important role in recovery. Many who enter treatment often have nutrient deficiencies and or are malnourished. Alcoholics tend to consume most of the "empty" calories from alcohol and junk food. Addicts eat very little living off the "high ". Proper nutrition provides the body with energy, fights off infections and helps create a mental well-being. Vitamins and minerals are very important; calcium is important for healthy bones, protein helps and maintains muscles.
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can sometimes occur in recovering alcoholics and addicts. Skipping meals, consuming excessive amounts of sugary and or caffeinated products creates a sugar imbalance causing irritability, cravings, anxiety to name just a few symptoms. Eating three nutritious meals a day and healthy snacks is strongly recommended while in treatment not only for their overall well being, but to stabilize their blood sugar levels, as well. The meal plan focuses on low-fat diet, protein, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
It is very important that recovering alcoholics and addicts begin to eat nutritionally balanced meals on a regular basis. For many this will be a challenge because the individual will need to learn about nutrition and the benefits that come with having a healthy eating lifestyle.
