In a recent entry, we started a series about how to pursue healthful eating as a way to support your recovery from a substance use disorder. That first entry focused on the importance of proper hydration and eating a healthy breakfast. This time out, we are going to turn our attention to lunch and afternoon snacks (did you think we were going to deny you delicious snacks?), and making quality choices for your daytime dining shores up your recovery journey.
Lunchtime: A Question of What and Where
When we wrote about breakfast, we noted that too many people skip the meal altogether or grab something quick—and usually unhealthy. A similar issue arises for many people around lunch. Because so many of us feel pressured to be productive all of the time, many people eat lunch at their desk or wolf something down quickly so they can get right back to work. And, of course, some people fail to eat lunch at all.
There are a number of problems with this approach. First, eating at your workstation or rushing through lunch generally does not lend itself to eating a well-rounded, healthy meal. You are likely to end up with the equivalent of the unhealthy breakfast options people make do with when they are in a hurry. Secondly, you deny yourself an important break in the middle of the day. Taking a real break at lunch can help relieve stress, clear your mind, and actually make you more productive when you return to work. Being intentional about your lunch break also gives you the opportunity to, say, get a quick walk in or to eat with a friend—both of which are activities that are good for you and your recovery.
When it comes to choosing food for lunch, we suggest enjoying some fruits and veggies as well as lean proteins and whole grains. Paying attention to portion size is also a good idea because eating too much can contribute to that sleepy feeling that can creep in after lunch. Packing your lunch can be a great way to control the quality and size of your midday meal. Here are some quick and easy suggestions for lunches you can pack.
The Afternoon Snack: Plenty of Healthier Options
If you are like many people, you tend to find yourself wanting a snack in the afternoon. You might not be hungry exactly, but you could be feeling snack-ish just the same. Having an afternoon snack can feel like a good way to power through the last part of the day. Often, folks think of the afternoon snack as an opportunity to have a little treat—and that can lead to less-than-ideal food choices.
Fortunately, there are plenty of good options for snacking in the afternoon. You might grab a piece of string cheese, eat an apple with peanut butter, or enjoy some trail mix. And if you are craving chocolate, you can choose the dark variety, which offers some health benefits. Here are some good options for an afternoon snack that might even give you a boost of energy.
More Healthy Eating Suggestions to Come
This series about eating well in recovery is just getting started. Next time out, we will look at healthy dinner options and the best choices if you indulge in a late-night snack. We will follow that with additional posts on healthy eating, including the dangers of too much sugar, the benefits of gardening and cooking, and a general overview of picking food that supports your body, brain, and recovery.
Let’s Get a Substance Use Disorder Off the Menu
When you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, it can feel as though your substance use disorder is gobbling up everything good in your life. Your physical and mental health are compromised. Your relationships may fall apart. Your ability to do your best at work or in school is upended. Your financial well-being might crumble. Soon enough, it might feel like there is nothing left of the life you once had—and no hope of reclaiming it in the future.
That feeling can be intensified by the rigors of withdrawal. Trying to give up substances on your own can lead to plenty of awful withdrawal symptoms—including strong cravings for the very thing you are trying to leave behind. It can feel like you are trapped in an endless, inescapable loop.
The team at Canyon Vista Recovery Center knows all about that loop—and we also know how to help you break free from it. We offer medically supervised detoxification to enable you to get drugs or alcohol out of your system in a safe environment that is free of temptations. Our rehabilitation program prepares you to start your recovery journey with confidence. And our alumni program keeps you connected with others who understand the challenges you have overcome and the challenges you are still facing while also providing ongoing resources and support.
Do not let a substance use disorder eat away at your life. Instead, let Canyon Vista Recovery Center help you make a new start.
