Are You Going Through Rehab? Don't Forget to Rehab Your Diet Too

Rate This

Photo: Getty Images

Anyone who has been through it knows that going through a rehabilitation program to conquer an addiction can be very challenging mentally, physically and emotionally. Because the focus is on overcoming a powerful addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, most likely the last piece that people in treatment think about is fine-tuning their eating habits.

But if you can follow these six sensible nutritional tips, you will be on your way to a much healthier lifestyle:

1. Do not go long periods of time without eating. Eat breakfast when you get up, and then eat a meal or a snack every two to four hours until bedtime.

2. Your meals and snacks should be a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates and fat. A meal should consist of 50 percent carbs (such as fruit, green vegetables, baked potatoes, yams, pasta and whole grain bread); 25 percent protein (such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish and dairy); and no more than 25 percent fat.

3. Engage in physical activity at least four days per week or more for 45 to 60 minutes. Choose something that you enjoy, whether it be weight training, aerobic activity, a sport, swimming, or yoga.

4. Watch your caffeine intake--it can negatively impact your appetite.

5. Drink non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day. It is very important to stay hydrated.

6. Take a good multivitamin and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement daily.

If you are very committed to your recovery, a lot of your perspective changes-- you will want to eat healthfully because it is the right thing to do, and if you have children, to see them grow up. You will go to any lengths to stay clean and eat healthy food.

Source:
Michael Berg, Better Nutrition, January/February, 2011

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Rachel Wernick View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.