What you eat has a direct impact on your physical and mental health. The types of food you choose to eat each day will affect your focus, energy, and how well you cope with stress.
According to Nutrients, “[C]hanges in diet may influence psychiatric disorders through direct effects on mood, while the development of psychiatric disorders can lead to changes in eating habits.” Villa Oasis San Diego offers nutritional education, and we have a dedicated chef on site as part of our facility services. Each meal is customized to ensure the most nutritional benefit for our residents.
The Healing Power of Nutrition
Malnutrition and dietary deficiencies can affect your recovery and how you feel during detox and withdrawal. In many cases, people in recovery have a history of unhealthy eating, which can worsen the side effects of substance use disorder (SUD). What you choose to eat during early recovery affects how easily you achieve and maintain sobriety. Nutritional meals ensure that your body has the right amount of daily vitamins and minerals.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “A healthy eating routine is important at every stage of life and can have positive effects that add up over time.” The USDA recommends that every meal involve the five food groups listed below:
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Dairy
- Fruits
- Proteins
By including these essential food groups in every meal, you get a balanced variety of nutrients. Sometimes it can take time to get used to a new diet. The chef at Villa Oasis San Diego personalizes meals to ensure they appeal to every resident. You will feel more comfortable changing what you eat when you can customize your meals to include foods you enjoy.
Nutritional Instruction at Villa Oasis San Diego
Everyone who comes to Villa Oasis San Diego will receive nutritional education and instructions on healthy eating. We instruct each resident on how to develop a diet that incorporates all the necessary food groups. Everyone has unique tastes, and we will help you find ingredients and meals that fit your needs and personal preferences.
Some of the things you will learn at Villa Oasis San Diego include:
- What foods can improve mood, lessen anxiety, and decrease side effects of SUD
- How proper nutrition can strengthen the body and focus the mind
- The impact some foods can have on sleep quality, physical health, and stress tolerance
In addition to learning about the connections between foods, behavior, and mental health, you will also have an opportunity to learn how to prepare healthy foods. We want you to have the skills you need to continue making progress with your health after completing treatment.
Dedicated Chef on Site
The dedicated chef we have on staff will ensure you enjoy high-quality meals that meet your health needs and preferences. Our chef is an essential member of our team. We believe that proper nutrition is the foundation of healthy living and assists people in recovering from SUD.
An on-site chef offers clients the following benefits:
- Fresh meals prepared daily
- Meals that include all essential food groups
- Food that accommodates medical, religious, or personal substitutions
During the admissions process, you can disclose any special dietary requirements you might have, including allergies or religious exceptions.
The Mental Health Benefits of Nutritional Counseling
Your brain requires nutrients to function correctly. People who do not get enough vitamins and minerals may experience mental or cognitive issues. According to Frontiers in Nutrition, “Selective food supplementation can be beneficial in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.” Foods rich in the following compounds can significantly improve mental health:
- Zinc
- B vitamins, including folic acid
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids
Balanced meals also affect many aspects of your physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that healthy eating does the following:
- “Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy
- Supports muscles
- Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Strengthens bones
- Supports brain development and healthy growth
- Boosts immunity
- Helps the digestive system function”
If your body feels good, you are less likely to feel anxious, stressed, or depressed.
Recovery Involves Many Lifestyle Changes
Treatment and long-term recovery are about finding a new normal that keeps you healthy. Taking care of your body should become an important goal. To establish new routines and behaviors, you need to make lifestyle changes that allow you to maintain the following:
- Quality sleeping schedule
- Exercise
- Proper hydration
- Regular nutritional meals
Rehabilitation programs are highly structured. In addition, you will have a care team at your side, helping you learn vital skills like stress reduction, nutrition, and setting healthy goals. Residents can build a healthy and happy future by taking advantage of the skills they learn. Villa Oasis San Diego provides multiple services that will give you the tools to maintain these positive changes after you complete treatment.
The food you eat will significantly impact your feelings and overall wellness. Villa Oasis San Diego has a dedicated chef on site to ensure staff and residents get regular balanced meals tailored to meet their preferences and physical needs.
Our team will also provide nutritional education and instruction. We can help you identify specific areas of your diet that you can improve to reduce symptoms and keep you feeling your best. By the time you complete our rehabilitation program, you will know how to prepare nutritional meals.
We guide each resident through learning how to establish a healthy diet. To learn more about our services and facility, call our office today at (619) 373-9792.
