Why Proper Nutrition is SO Vitally Important – Especially in Recovery

ATT Christians: When you are in recovery from addiction, there is another aspect to consider and implement other than spiritual renewal, repentance, and emotional healing. While these are essential components, you cannot overlook the profound importance of physical health, particularly good nutrition. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Honoring God with our bodies means nourishing them well, especially as we heal from the ravages of addiction.

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”
1 Corinthians 6:19

Why Nutrition Matters in Recovery

Addiction wreaks havoc on the body, depleting essential nutrients and damaging key systems, including the digestive system, brain function, and immune health. Your body requires proper nutrition to repair itself, restore balance, and help to sustain your newfound sobriety.

Here are some key reasons why nutrition plays a vital role in your recovery:

1. Restores Physical Health: Addictive substances often lead to poor eating habits, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies. Proper nutrition helps rebuild your body’s strength, supports and helps to repair organ function, and promotes overall well-being, including your mind.
2. Improves Mental Clarity: Nutrient-rich foods fuel brain health, improving cognitive function, focus, and emotional stability. Balanced blood sugar levels will also reduce mood swings and cravings.
3. Reduces Cravings: Eating a diet that includes complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins can stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the intense cravings that often accompany early recovery.
4. Boosts Energy: Recovery can be physically demanding. Nutrient-dense foods provide the energy needed to engage in daily activities, work, and worship.
5. Supports Emotional Healing: Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, play a role in reducing anxiety and depression, common challenges in recovery.

Biblical Principles for Healthy Eating

The Bible guides us in how we should care for our bodies:

• Eat with Gratitude: “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). Approach food with gratitude.
• Moderation: Proverbs 25:27 warns against overindulgence. Balance is key in nutrition, just as it is in spiritual growth.  An obese body does not glorify God.
• Choose Wholesome Foods: God’s original provision in the Garden of Eden included fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains (Genesis 1:29). These whole, unprocessed foods remain some of the best options for nourishing our bodies.  Make sure to never eat GMO foods and also make certain there are no pesticides in what you eat.

Practical Nutrition Tips for Recovery

1. Prioritize Whole Foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of filtered water to flush toxins from your body and support overall health.
3. Eat Regular Meals: Skipping meals can lead to blood sugar crashes and cravings. Aim for three balanced meals and healthy snacks throughout the day.  I only eat twice a day and no snacks, but I realize that’s hard for most people to do.  This type of eating has truly made a huge difference in my health, my life, and especially my walk with Jesus.
4. Include Mood-Boosting Foods:
   • Omega-3-rich foods (like salmon and flaxseeds) support brain health.
   • Complex carbohydrates (like oats and brown rice) help stabilize mood.
   • Foods rich in B vitamins (like leafy greens. beans), and chia seeds combat fatigue and depression.
5. Eliminate ALL Sugar and Processed Foods: These will trigger cravings and mood swings as well as being the root causes of most diseases and organ failure.  As far as another ‘no no’, table sale is very bad for you.  Instead, choose delicious Himalayan Pink Salt or Celtic Salt which are wonderful for your body.
6. Seek Professional Guidance: If necessary, consult with a naturopathic nutritionist or healthcare professional can help design a meal plan tailored to your recovery needs.  This may be the route you need to take if you have health conditions that you are being treated for.

Trusting God in the Process

Recovery is a holy road of transformation, and caring for your body through proper nutrition is part of honoring God’s temple. As you make healthy choices, trust God to guide you and provide the strength you need. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

A Prayer for Nourishment and Healing

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating our bodies with such intricate care. As we walk the holy road to a full recovery, help me to honor You by making wise choices in how I nourish my body. Give me the discipline to care for my physical health and the understanding that our bodies are temples of Your Holy Spirit. May everything that touches my lips, be a reminder of Your provision and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By embracing good nutrition, you are not only supporting your physical recovery but also glorifying God through good stewardship of the body He has given you. Let this be another step in your journey toward lasting freedom and abundant life in Christ.

Have a blessed rest of your day! Please be thinking carefully about what foods and drinks you put in that awesome body given to you by God! Hope to see you in my next post. Bye for now!