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A major part of recovering from an alcohol use disorder is eating and drinking the right things. Your body goes through a lot during a prolonged period of heavy drinking, and it is normal to feel depleted or fatigued.
If you don’t take your diet seriously, it can hold back your recovery from being as quick or as successful as it could have been. With that in mind, this guide is going to go over a few of the best foods to eat when recovering from alcohol use disorder, as well as some things you should avoid.
The Best Foods To Eat When Recovering
GateHouse Treatment Center suggests a diet of fruits and vegetables known for their detoxifying nature. Fruits and veggies contain a lot of fiber and can help with digestion, while also containing important vitamins and minerals that are often deficient if you drink heavily. Fruits are generally hydrating, and veggies can be awesome for giving your immune system a boost.
In addition to fruits and veggies, it’s a good idea to eat plenty of healthy carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, oats, and brown rice. These are great because they provide you with the energy you need to get through your recovery. They help you feel full, can help fight cravings, and provide a slower release of sugar than many other foods. Many of them are also packed with vitamins and minerals, too.
Protein is also something that is often lacking in those who have issues with drinking, so make sure to add plenty of lean proteins like poultry or fish into your diet. Not only are these proteins rich in vitamins and nutrients, but they also help your body repair itself.
The effect of alcohol on nutrition can be major, so you want to make sure you are doing all you can to get your nutrition back to a good place. Eating right is an important part of your recovery, and you never want to take it lightly.
Foods To Avoid When Recovering
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While getting the right food in your body while recovering is important, you also should be aware of the things to avoid. Plenty of foods can end up hurting your recovery efforts, not helping them. One of the first types of foods to avoid are greasy and fatty, along with other kinds of junk food.
Eating junk food can make you feel depressed, and lead to a collection of different health problems including weight gain, high blood pressure, and a general feeling of sluggishness. They are bad for your heart and should be avoided when in recovery.
In addition to greasy and fatty foods, you should also make an effort to limit your sugar intake. There is often an urge to consume a lot of sugar when recovering, as you are often fatigued, tired, and need energy.
However, eating a lot of sugar is simply empty calories, and foods that are high in sugar don’t generally have a lot of beneficial nutrients. Also, too much sugar can lead to anxiety, cravings, and even issues like diabetes.
In conclusion, these are some of the best and worst foods you should consider when in recovery from an alcohol use disorder.
