Showing posts with label foods for meth recovery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foods for meth recovery. Show all posts

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Stop Abusing Meth Tips


Determine that you do truly wish to stop using meth. Unless you've the want to change you'll never be able to.
Be totally true with yourself and other people. Your chances of recovery are not great if you can't face yourself and deal with confrontations from other people.

Be patient with yourself. It commonly takes at least 3 months prior to significant improvement, so don't quit if you don't get split second results.

Take away influences that enable your substance use from your life.

Prevent relying on somebody to stop doing meth with you, as he or she might not have the willingness to change. You must be amenable to stop spending time with individuals who use substances, and to avoid enticement. Learn to walk off from those that insist on utilizing or discussing using in front of you. It might call for you to be alone for a while or discover a whole new set of acquaintances to hang out with.

Stock up on nourishing, easy-to-eat foods like soup to maintain your strength while clucking (undergoing drug withdrawal). Be particularly sure to center on your protein consumption. This will help keep your blood glucose level stable, which successively helps maintain your mood on an even keel.

Discover a group in your local area like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. It will help you address the issues that arise when quitting meth. Narcotics Anonymous isn't actually particular to narcotics - substance abusers of all sorts of meth, including cannabis, attend Narcotics Anonymous. Recovering users of all sorts are likewise welcome at open meetings of AA. SMART Recovery assists addicts in learning to refrain from meth, alcohol, and addictive behaviors utilizing self-management strategies, and might be a great alternative for individuals who don't feel well-situated with 12-step groups.

Connect with a dependable friend who doesn't take meth, if you have one. Ask him or her to remain with you to help out while you experience the worst of your withdrawal.

If you feel you can't deal with drug withdrawal by yourself, then see a physician or go to a hospital ER.

Put down a list of matters you enjoyed doing before you began using meth or things you've been interested in doing that you haven't done as yet. Meth have been a huge part of your life and it will be simpler for you if you plan ahead to fill the emptiness that their absence will produce.

Distinguish your triggers, which are individuals, places, things, events, activities, emotions, times, dates and so forth., that make you consider using; consequently placing you at a higher risk of using. After you distinguish your triggers, prevent them.

Discover your relapse warning signs, which are alterations in your behaviors and/or attitude that signal a risk that you're close to using.

School yourself on the dangers to your brain and body.

Discover a support scheme.

Arrive at a list of health goals and read it daily.

Formulate a crisis program.

Formulate and utilize positive self talk.

Discover healthy activities to substitute substance usage.

Center on your health and attending to your family.

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    Monday, August 23, 2010

    People Pleasing-Stress and Recovery




    Stress is not good for recovery...One big problem individuals who are excessively stressed out have is the power to say “No” when they need to. Perhaps your mom wants you to take grandmother to the store, but you’re in the midst of a big work project. Maybe your best friend inquires if you wouldn’t mind baby sitting her youngsters when you’ve already made plans with yourself to get a haircut.

    There’s no reason why you have to answer “Yes” to everybody. As a matter of fact, there are frequently many times when you ought to turn them down. If you discover yourself agreeing to do things when you truly don’t prefer to, you’re a people pleaser. As a whole, this isn’t a foul trait to have, but it may be a big stressor.

    People pleasers consider others needs before their own. They fret about what others want, think, or need, and spend much time doing things for other people. They seldom do things for themselves, and feel guilty when they do. It’s difficult being a people pleaser.

    People pleasers hold off saying what they truly think or from seeking what they want if they think somebody will be disturbed with them for it. Even so they frequently spend time with individuals who don’t consider their needs in the least. In fact, people pleasers frequently feel driven to make insensitive or distressed individuals feel better - even at the harm to themselves.
    Perpetually trying to please others is draining and a lot of people pleasers feel anxious, concerned, distressed, and played out a lot of the time. They might not comprehend why no one does anything for them, when they do so much for other people - but they often won’t ask for what they require.

    This is the hole I fell into. I discovered myself forever agreeing to do for other people but when I required those same individuals to help ME out, they were oddly occupied.

    A people pleaser might believe that if they ask somebody for help and that individual agrees, that individual would be giving out of duty, not because they truly wanted to. The thinking goes - if they truly wanted to help, they'd have offered without my requesting.

    This line of thinking takes place because people pleasers themselves feel duty-bound to help and don't always do things because they prefer to. Unhappily, people pleasers have been schooled that their worth depends upon doing things for others.

    It’s dreadful being a people pleaser - believe me, I know! People pleasers are not only really sensitive to others feelings, and frequently take matters personally, but they likewise rarely center on themselves.

    When they do take a minute for themselves, they feel selfish, indulgent, and guilty which is why they're frequently on the go, hurrying to get things finished. Because people pleasers do so much and are easy to get along with, they're often the first to be asked to do things - they're vulnerable to be being taken advantage of.

    People pleasers were most likely reared in homes where their needs and feelings weren't treasured, valued, or considered significant. They were frequently expected as youngsters to respond to or to take care of others needs. Or they might have been hushed, unattended, or otherwise abused, hence learning that their feelings and needs weren't significant.

    In a lot of cultures, girls are reared to be people pleasers - to consider others’ needs first, and to overlook their own. A lot of women have at least some degree of people pleasing in them. Men who identified with their moms often do too.

    People pleasers’ focus is largely on others and away from themselves. They frequently feel void, or don’t understand how they feel, what they think, or what they want for themselves. But it’s possible to alter this pattern and to feel more beneficial about yourself.
    I managed to learn how to break away from this cycle. You are able to do the same thing if you see yourself in the above description. You want to understand how? It’s simpler than you believe!

    First of all, rehearse saying NO. This is a really significant word! Say it as frequently as you can, just to listen to the word come out of your mouth. State it aloud when you're alone. Rehearse phrases with NO in them, like, "No, I can’t do that" or "No, I don’t wish to go there". Try it for easy things first, and then build your way up to heavier situations.

    Quit saying YES day in and day out. Try to pause or breathe before reacting to someone’s request. You might want to answer requests with "I need to consider it first; I’ll get back to you" or "Let me check over my schedule and call you back". Utilize any phrase that you feel comfortable with that provides you time before you mechanically answer with YES.
    Take little breaks, even if you feel guilty. You won’t forever feel guilty, but most likely to begin with you will. Remember that your mental wellness is well worth the irritation you might have to take from other people. What’s significant is you. When you're healthy, those around you will be healthy!

    Work out what provides you pleasure. For instance, you might like reading magazines, watching videos, going to a park, or hearing music. Give yourself license to do those things and then savor them.

    Ask somebody to help you with something. I know this is a difficult one but you are able to do it! After all, everybody else is asking YOU for favors, why shouldn’t YOU ask THEM? Simply be tolerant if they turn you down. Just because you've always told them “Yes” doesn’t mean they always have to tell you “Yes”.

    Check in with how you feel and what you're thinking. It’s crucial to be cognizant of these matters; they’re part of who you are. And then try stating what you feel and think more often. Simply remember to have a little decorum in particular situations.

    A lot of people pleasers think that nobody will like them if they quit doing things for others. If somebody stops liking you because you don’t do what they require, then you’re being used by them and likely don’t want them as a friend anyhow.

    Individuals will like you for who you are and not merely for what you do. You deserve to take time to yourself, to state NO, and to take care of yourself without feeling guilty. It’s within your grasp to change - one little step at a time! De-stress for a better chance at recovery!




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    Friday, October 9, 2009

    Developing a Powerful Vision For Recovery



    A vision is an aspiration that you produce in your mind and aim for it and plan for it from start to the end. It's this vision that thrusts you forward and aims your life with a purpose to reach ahead. It gives the power to achieve your aspirations and also inspires individuals around you with your positive mindset and drive to move forward.

    However, how does one plan on acquiring a powerful vision and inspire their lives and the lives of others under its influence when it comes to recovery?

    Think Ahead and Plan
    If you have the ability to dream, you are able to plan your vision to meet your goals. Think of how you are and how you want your future to be. You are able to create a vision not only to pull in power and success to your recovery but it can also work for your relationships and other aspects of life. When you think ahead and plan in your mind, you are able to produce a vision. Let it be very specific and not something that's very vaguely pictured.

    Think Positive
    To acquire a powerful vision, you need to produce a positive mindset. Unless you think positive, the actions or planning can't happen in a positive manner. So, it's very essential to have a positive thinking in order to move ahead. Without positive thinking, there's no vision. Without a vision, there's no goal achieved in life or recovery.

    Apply the Power of Affirmations
    Positive thinking and affirmation with a belief in yourself is very crucial to develop powerful visions and carry it forward to attain success in life and recovery. You need to have motivation and it should be constant and there's nothing better than the power of affirmations to help you acquire all the motivation you need.

    Determine Goals
    Based on your vision, it's crucial to set goals both short term and long term. It's crucial to visit these goals often and check how many of them you've been able to achieve. If you have been successful in achieving your goals, celebrate it and take credit for it. This will help you stay motivated. However, at the same time, if you have not been able to accomplish some of these goals, it's best not to lose heart but to see why you have not been able to reach these goals and consider how to strive towards reaching them.

    The vision that you have generated from your zeal to excel in recovery shouldn't just remain a unfulfilled dream. Rather, it's in your hands to give it the proper shape and molding that it requires to make it grow and attain fruition. Otherwise, the vision has no value.

    If you need more info for inspiration,inner pace and helping yourself while helping others, be sure to check inspirationDNA.
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    Thursday, April 2, 2009

    Stress Can Kill Your Recovery



    In today’s world it seems like we hear all the time from nearly every one you know – “I’m SO stressed out!” Pressures are crazy today. Those pressures cause stress and anxiety, and often we are badly prepared to deal with those stressors that trigger anxiety and can cause relapse or add to addiction problems.

    The statistics are astounding. One in eight Americans 18-54 suffers from an anxiety disorder. Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health has shown that anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem among American women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse by men.

    Because of this fact, in the very near future The Addicts Attic will be providing more information on stress and anxiety in the form of informative articles and an Ebook (watch for more news on that).

    In the mean time there is some good recovery information in the book Willpower’s Not Enough.

    Stress is a part of every day life. It’s how we respond to it that makes all the difference in maintaining our health, well-being and recovery. Pressures occur throughout life and those pressures cause stress. We need to realize that we can never completely get rid of stress in our life, but we can learn coping techniques to move us toward a healthier situation.

    As well The Addicts Attic will continue to provide info on different ways you can improve recovery whether it is for you or a loved one. Remember that detox is vital and we have lots of good info on our site about detox. I’ve come across some amazing information and can’t wait to share it with you as I’ve learned so much myself.

    Remember to always speak to your doctor first before using any of the information or products on the site as I want you to have the safest and best possible recovery process you can. Ask your doctor about pHion D-tox, Detoxification Complex - Capsules as they are all natural and getting some good reviews for detox.

    Have a wonderful stress reduced day!

    Thursday, February 12, 2009

    How Addicts Can Love Themselves At Valentines Day Through Diet



    Since meth addiction and recovery is becoming an issue for more and more people, people are looking for ways to end the horrible cycle. There are some simple things you can do to make your recovery easier, and at the same time you will be showing yourself some love at Valentines Day.

    One way to show yourself some love is to provide your body with healthy food. Like lots of us you may have not been taught healthy food habits, and while you were using you Sure weren’t eating healthy. Learn some new healthy food habits, and you can give a little love to yourself and your body.

    There's a lot of new good information in healthy eating habits. You don’t have to starve yourself. This is important for those who are worried that they will put on a little weight and where using drugs to stay thin. As well, it’s said now that you don't even have to avoid fats or carbohydrates. In fact, the right fats and carbohydrates are actually needed to strengthen your body.

    To love yourself at Valentines Day, or any other day, with a healthy diet can be simple. Eat the right foods at the right time. The following are some simple tips you can get started with immediately:

    • Be sure to drink plenty of pure water. This means ounces per day equaling half of your body weight.
    • Be sure to eat 5 meals per day, smaller ones that are highly nutritious.
    • Be sure to eat high fiber foods like berries, apples, brown rice and nuts. This will also help with liver detox.
    • Be sure to eat good fats with essential fatty acids.
    • Be sure to eat good carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also good for detox.
    • Be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new eating plan.

    Making good changes in your eating habits may be more difficult after having bad ones for a while, but it is not impossible. The most important reason it is not impossible is because the fear of illness is one of the strongest motivators for humans. Illness is a certainty if we don’t take good care of ourselves during recovery, whether it be in the form of physical sickness or relapse.

    Healthy eating will not only aid in your recovery from meth or whatever substance abuse problem you are struggling with, but it will lead to improving your overall health. By improving your health, you have a greater chance of not having a relapse.
    As always….believe in yourself and Expect the best!

    Tuesday, November 18, 2008

    Superfoods to Combat Cirrhosis And Clean Up The Liver


    Cirrhosis is described as the replacement of damaged liver cells by fibrous scar tissue which interrupts the liver's significant functions. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of excessive alcohol (most common), common viral hepatitis, obstruction of the bile ducts, and exposure to certain drugs or toxins.

    People who have cirrhosis often experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, making them look gaunt. Diet alone does not add to the development of liver disease. Those who are well nourished, but drink large amounts of alcohol, are also susceptible to liver disease.

    Adults with cirrhosis need a balanced diet rich in protein to let the liver cells rejuvenate. However, excessive protein will cause an increased amount of ammonia in the blood; too little protein can reduce healing of the liver. A doctor is the best to prescribe the correct amount of protein for a person with cirrhosis.

    In addition to protein, a balanced diet with sufficient calories, fats, and carbohydrates can actually help the damaged liver to renew liver cells. In fact, in some liver diseases, nutrition becomes an important form of treatment.

    Grains and legumes are great protein sources for those who suffer from cirrhosis. Red meat should not be eaten since the liver is not working to its most favorable capacity and most likely will have trouble dealing with fats. Nuts, seeds, and soy products are also good sources of low-fat protein.

    Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain breads and pastas are also a part of a healthy balanced diet, as they are all whole grain carbohydrates that provide a steady supply of energy, important for your body’s ability to heal.

    Cereals, breads, potatoes and legumes are great sources for the B-complex vitamins. These boost metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, promote cell growth and division — including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia. As well, they also help combat the symptoms and causes of stress, which is important when you’re nursing your body back to health.

    Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach, are all great sources of vitamin C, which help to promote a healthy immune system. It’s vital to stay as healthy as possible during the healing process, so your body can focus on liver repair.

    Together with plenty of rest and lots of fresh water to help flush the toxins from your body, a well-balanced nutrition plan should put you well on the road to recovery.

    Tuesday, October 14, 2008

    Foods Highest In Phenylalanine For Meth Recovery Series (Nuts and Seeds)



    There has been a recent discovery that using Phenylalanine in a nutrition plan for recovering meth addicts helps to restore the brain chemicals Norepinephrine and Dopamine.

    This can also be termed as amino acid therapy. Essential amino acids can counteract the symptoms of depression, low energy, lack of focus and concentration. The expected behavior changes when restoring these depleted amino acids are: reduced cravings, reduced depression, increased energy and improved mental focus for the recovering meth addict.



    Nuts and Seeds highest in Phenylalanine for meth recovery:
    • Seeds, cottonseed flour, low fat (glandless) Phenylalanine: 1870mg
    • Seeds, cottonseed meal, partially defatted (glandless) Phenylalanine: 1666mg
    • Seeds, sesame flour, low-fat Phenylalanine: 1596mg
    • Seeds, sunflower seed flour, partially defatted Phenylalanine: 1513mg
    • Seeds, cottonseed flour, partially defatted (glandless) Phenylalanine: 1421mg
    • Seeds, sesame flour, partially defatted Phenylalanine: 1119mg



    Recipe for foods containing Phenylalanine for meth recovery:

    Flax and Sunflower Seed Bread

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1/3 cups water
    • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
    • 3 tablespoons honey
    • 1 1/2 cups bread flour
    • 1 1/3 cups whole wheat bread flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
    • 1/2 cup flax seeds
    • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Place all ingredients (except sunflower seeds) in the pan of a bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select basic white cycle; press start. Add the sunflower seeds when the alert sounds during the knead cycle.



    Some recovering meth addicts may decide to work directly with a nutritionist. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) web site can help you locate a nutritionist for your area.

    Lists of more foods high in Phenylalanine for the proper nutrition for the recovering meth addict will be examined in later parts of this series.

    Wednesday, October 8, 2008

    Foods Highest In Phenylalanine For Meth Recovery Series (Vegatables)


    The use of Phenylalanine is useful in the nutrition for recovering meth addicts by restoring the brain chemicals Norepinephrine and Dopamine.

    These amino acids can counteract the symptoms of depression, low energy, lack of focus and concentration. The expected behavior changes when restoring these depleted amino acids are: anti-craving, anti-depression, increased energy and improved mental focus for the recovering meth addict.

    To increase the effects of amino-acid nutritional therapy with Phenylalanine for a recovering met addict, the use of a multi-vitamin/mineral formula is recommended. Many vitamins and minerals serve as co-factors in repairing neurotransmitters. They also serve to restore general balance, vitality and well-being to a recovering meth addict who typically is in a state of poor nutritional health.

    Vegetables highest in Phenylalanine for meth recovery:

    • Seaweed, spirulina, raw Phenylalanine: 2200mg
    • Watercress, raw Phenylalanine: 2073mg
    • Seaweed, spirulina, dried Phenylalanine: 1915mg
    • Pumpkin leaves, raw Phenylalanine: 1800mg
    • Seaweed, laver, raw Phenylalanine: 1560mg
    • Horseradish-tree leafy tips, raw Phenylalanine: 1522mg
    • Beans, kidney, mature seeds, sprouted, cooked, boiled, drained, Phenylalanine: 1473mg
    • Beans, kidney, mature seeds, sprouted, raw Phenylalanine: 1462mg
    • Spinach, frozen, chopped or leaf, unprepared Phenylalanine: 1428mg
    • Turnip greens, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, Phenylalanine: 1421mg
    • Pumpkin leaves, cooked, boiled, drained, Phenylalanine: 1409mg
    • Turnip greens, frozen, unprepared Phenylalanine: 1382mg
    • Swamp cabbage, (skunk cabbage), raw Phenylalanine: 1337mg
    • Jute, potherb, raw Phenylalanine: 1247mg
    • Spinach, frozen, chopped or leaf, cooked, boiled, drained, Phenylalanine: 1241mg
    • Turnip greens, canned, solids and liquids Phenylalanine: 1186mg
    • Spinach, cooked, boiled, drained, Phenylalanine: 1165mg
    • Broccoli raab, raw [Broccoli rabe, Rapini] Phenylalanine: 1164mg
    • Chard, swiss, raw Phenylalanine: 1158mg
    • Amaranth leaves, raw Phenylalanine: 1157mg
    • Turnip greens and turnips, frozen, unprepared Phenylalanine: 1152mg
    • Chard, swiss, cooked, boiled, drained, Phenylalanine: 1140mg
    • Spinach, raw Phenylalanine: 1121mg
    • Spinach, canned, drained solids Phenylalanine: 1104mg


    Recipe for foods containing Phenylalanine for meth recovery:

    Bay Scallops with Spinach


    Ingredients:

    2 lbs of fresh spinach, stemmed and washed, not dried.

    1 lb of bay scallops.

    3 large cloves of garlic, peeled.

    ¼ cup of chicken stock

    2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

    2 teaspoons of olive oil.

    2 teaspoons of salt.

    1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.

    Freshly ground pepper, to taste.


    Preparation Instructions:

    Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

    Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook for 20 seconds, stirring continuously.

    Add the spinach and toss occasionally until wilted.

    Drain off the liquid and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Keep warm.

    Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

    Add the scallops and sauté for 1 minute or until just cooked through.

    Remove the scallops from the pan and add the lemon juice and stock.

    Cook, scraping the bottom of the pan, for 15 seconds.

    Remove from the heat, then toss in the scallops and season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste.

    On serving plates, place a mound of spinach in the middle and surround with scallops.


    Some recovering meth addicts may decide to work directly with a nutritionist. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) web site can help you locate a nutritionist for your area.

    Lists of more foods high in Phenylalanine for the proper nutrition for the recovering meth addict will be examined in later parts of this series.

    Sunday, September 21, 2008

    Nutrition For Recovering Meth Addicts: Foods For Recovery Part 3

    Nutritional studies recommended that people in recoveryfrom meth eat on "cruise control" throughout the day. This means eating small, frequent mini-meals--to maintain energy levels and moods more even.

    Suggestions for a Diet that Promotes Meth Recovery:
    1. Use the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid as a guide to prepare well-balanced meals
    2. Eat 3 snacks and 3 meals per day
    3. Drink decaffeinated coffee and herbal teas to decrease caffeine
    4. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
    5. Eat foods made of whole grains
    6. Eat more beans and grain products; limit the amount of red meat eaten. Red meats are harder to digest.
    7. Eliminate or keep to a minimum foods that contain sugar and caffeine
    8. Be aware of hidden sugar in cocoa, condiments, and over the counter medications
    9. Be aware of caffeine in over the counter and prescribed medications

    USDA's My Food Guide Pyramid Brochure can be found here in PDF format for download or visit the US Dept. Of Agriculture for more nutrition info.


    Suggested Recovery-friendly Diet:
    • Protein - 25%
    • Carbohydrate - 45%
    • Fat - 30%
    • Total calories - 2,000

    Sample Meal Suggestions:

    • Breakfast - oatmeal muffins, pancakes, quiche, omelet, yogurt
    • Lunch - Sandwiches, salads, soups
    • Dinner - Soups, chowders, rice & beans, chicken and vegetables, tortillas, lasagna with vegetable
    • Dessert - Yogurt, fruit


    During recovery from substance abuse, dehydration is common and it is important to emphasize adequate intake of fluids during and in between meals. Appetite usually returns during recovery, which may cause a tendency to overeat, particularly for people who were taking stimulants. At the beginning of recovery weight should really not be a source of worry for most recovering addicts and weight issues may have contributed to the addiction in the first place. The person should be instructed to consume healthy meals and snacks and to avoid high-calorie foods with low nutritional value, if possible.If there is an accompanying eating disorder, this Must be addressed with a qualified professional.

    Be sure to talk to your doctor or dietitian for specifics for your situation and condition. Recovering meth addicts will have different needs depending on their situation. The suggestions here are just a guideline and nutrition for the recovering meth addict should ultimately fall into the hands of a well qualified professional.

    Nutrition For Recovering Meth Addicts: Foods For Recovery Part 2

    Good nutrition is a vital part of the repair occurring in by the body of a person recovering from a meth addiction. Food provides nutrients necessary to meet this need. Providing three nutritious meals may not be enough. Snacks not only aid with blood sugar levels, they can play an important role to help the person in recovery to meet their nutritional needs as well as limit moods swings. Snacks can be provided midday between meals and before bedtime.

    Good Snack Choices For Nutrition For Recovering Meth Addicts:
    • Fresh fruit
    • Canned fruit packed in its own juice
    • Raw vegetables with low-fat dressing or salsa
    • Popcorn (air popped preferably)
    • Pretzels
    • Cheese and crackers
    • Low fat puddings
    • Cottage cheese and fruit
    • Low-fat yogurt
    • Raisins and other dried fruit
    • 100% fruit juice
    • Low-fat frozen yogurt

    Bad Snack Choices For Nutrition For Recovering Meth Addicts:
    * Canned fruit in heavy syrup
    * Potato chips
    * Corn chips
    * Ice cream
    * Cookies
    * Candy
    * Soda pop
    * Cake, donuts
    * Fruit drinks, punch
    * Brownies, pastries

    Meth addiction and abuse ravages the body and nutrition for recovery meth addicts can play a large role in the recovery process. In following parts of this series we will look at the nutrition for a recovering meth addict in more detail as well as provide resources to get your nutritional need on track.

    Nutrition For Recovering Meth Addicts: Foods For Recovery Part 1

    Abusers of meth may stay up for days at a time and suffer dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during these prolonged episodes as well as liver damage and malnutrition. Meth addiction and abuse ravages the body and nutrition for recovery meth addicts can play a large role in the recovery process.

    Return to normal diet can be difficult if there has been profound weight loss. Regular mealtimes are recommended daily. A meal plan that focuses on a low-fat diet, with increased intake of protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber is recommended. Due to deficiencies in vitamins caused by irregular eating habits during the period of meth abuse, supplementation with vitamins and minerals during recovery may be helpful. Specific vitamins supplementation may include B-complex, zinc, and vitamins A and C.

    Make sure you're eating the right kind of fats. Yes, you do need Good fats.

    Recommendations For Fats:
    • Choose lean, protein-rich foods such as soy, fish, skinless chicken, very lean meat, and fat free or 1% dairy products.
    • Eat foods that are naturally low in fat such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
    • Get plenty of soluble fiber such as oats, bran, dry peas, beans, cereal, and rice.
    • Limit fried foods, processed foods, and commercially prepared baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers).
    • Limit animal products such as egg yolks, cheeses, whole milk, cream, ice cream, and fatty meats (and large portions of meats).
    • Look at food labels, especially the level of saturated fat. Avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat.
    • Look on food labels for words like "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" -- these foods are loaded with bad fats and should be avoided.
    • Liquid vegetable oil, soft margarine, and trans fatty acid-free margarine are preferable to butter, stick margarine, or shortening.
    Food Sources For Complex Carbohydrates:
    Complex carbohydrates, often referred to as "starchy" foods, include:
    • Whole grain breads and cereals
    • Starchy vegetables
    • Legumes

    Relapse to using meth is also more likely when blood sugar levels fluctuate due to the irregular intake of food, which is why regular meals are so important. Meth addicts often forget what it's like to be hungry and instead interpret this feeling as a drug craving, so they should be encouraged to consider the possibility that they may be hungry when cravings become strong. Yet another reason why nutrition for recovering meth addicts is so important.

    Foods To Help Keep Blood Sugar Normal:
    Help to keep your blood sugar level steady by eating frequent meals and snacks. Health suggestions for snacks:

    • Dried fruits and nuts
    • Whole-grain crackers or bread with peanut butter
    • Yogurt
    • Fruit
    • Low-fat cheese or cottage cheese
    • A baked potato
    • Cut veggies with low-cal dip
    • A hard-boiled egg
    • Hummus and pita slices

    Meth addiction and abuse ravages the body and nutrition for recovery meth addicts can play a large role in the recovery process. In following parts of this series we will look at the foods, meal plans, snacks and more resources that aid in the nutrition for a recovering meth addict in more detail.