Hope Stream Podcast

From Recovery to Revolution: How Nutrition Changed My Life and Shaped My Mission

As someone who has experienced both the depths of addiction and the transformative power of recovery, I’ve gained unique insights into how nutrition can fundamentally reshape our relationship with mental health and recovery. My journey from addiction to becoming a mental health nutritionist has taught me valuable lessons about the intricate connections between what we eat and how we heal.

My Recovery Story: Finding Health in Unexpected Places

In 2006, after cycling through three treatment centers, two correctional facilities, and a hospital detox, I found myself at a turning point. While many focus solely on abstinence in early recovery, I discovered something unexpected: the profound impact of nutrition on my healing process.

The transformation began simply – at a treatment center salad bar that most residents ignored. While others gravitated toward comfort foods, I found myself drawn to new possibilities. I started experimenting with foods I’d never considered before: beets from a can, fresh vegetables, lean proteins. This wasn’t about following a prescribed diet; it was about intuitive choices that would reshape my recovery journey.

The Mind-Body Connection in Recovery

What started as simple dietary changes led to remarkable shifts in my mental health:

• Reduced anxiety levels
• Improved cognitive clarity
• Enhanced emotional regulation
• Better sleep patterns
• Increased energy and vitality

These changes weren’t just physical – they represented a fundamental shift in how I engaged with the world. The combination of proper nutrition, exercise, and recovery principles created a synergistic effect that accelerated my healing process.

Beyond Individual Recovery: A Systemic Perspective

My personal experience led me to pursue formal education in nutrition and public health, eventually earning my PhD from UCLA. Through my research and clinical practice, I’ve come to understand that nutrition in recovery isn’t just about individual choices – it’s about addressing systemic issues in our food environment.

The Commercial Determinants of Health

One critical aspect often overlooked in recovery is how commercial interests shape our food choices and health outcomes. Many of the ultra-processed foods marketed to vulnerable populations, including those in recovery, are designed for profit rather than health. Understanding this helps people in recovery make more informed choices aligned with their values.

Trauma-Informed Nutrition: A New Paradigm

Trauma-informed nutrition represents a comprehensive approach that considers:

1. Biological Impact: How trauma affects our physiology and relationship with food
2. Psychological Factors: Understanding emotional eating and addiction-like eating patterns
3. Social Context: Recognizing how environment and access affect food choices
4. Value Alignment: Eating in ways that support personal and social values

Practical Steps for Recovery-Supporting Nutrition

For those beginning their recovery journey, here are key foundational changes:

1. Focus on Addition, Not Restriction

• Emphasize adding nutrient-dense foods
• Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables
• Experiment with whole grains
• Include quality protein sources

2. Hydration Transformation

• Replace sweetened beverages with infused waters
• Add minerals and electrolytes naturally
• Create spa waters with cucumber, lemon, and mint

3. Color and Variety

• Eat across the rainbow of fruits and vegetables
• Include diverse protein sources
• Experiment with different whole grains
• Incorporate healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oils

The Future of Nutrition in Recovery

Through my practice, Nutrition in Recovery, and the Wise Mind Nutrition app, I’m working to make evidence-based nutrition support accessible to everyone in recovery. This isn’t just about individual healing – it’s about creating systemic change in how we approach recovery and mental health.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

Recovery isn’t just about stopping harmful behaviors – it’s about creating a new relationship with ourselves and our world. Nutrition provides a powerful pathway for this transformation, offering tangible ways to support both physical and mental health while aligning our actions with our values.

Whether you’re in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, remember that small changes in nutrition can catalyze profound transformation. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress and finding what works for you.