Delicious, Healthy Meals to Fuel Physical Recovery

Nutrition plays a large role in the physical recovery of the human body throughout the detox process. Those who suffer from addiction and substance abuse usually have poor diet habits and are often malnourished upon admission into our detox center. This typically happens when a person substitutes alcohol or drugs for food, and as a result, develops extreme vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Some drugs, such as opiates, also slow the body’s ability to break down food and extract important nutrients, while other drugs like marijuana, can trigger the overconsumption of fatty and sugary foods, which is also extremely unhealthy. Because malnutrition is such a common ailment experienced by our clients in drug and alcohol detox, we make it a priority to craft delicious, healthy meals for our clients so they can replenish their bodies with the important nutrients it needs to function properly.

Essential Nutrients for Physical Health in Drug Detox

• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates fuel the brain and central nervous system. They also help protect the body against disease. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans states 45 to 65 percent of a person’s daily calories should be carbohydrates. Healthy sources include fruit, bread, whole grains, and starchy vegetables.
• Protein: Protein is comprised of amino acids, which your body needs to function properly. Many of these amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body itself, so they have to be provided by food sources. Protein also builds and repairs body tissues, including the bones, skin, and hair. Healthy sources of protein are chicken, lean beef, beans, lentils, and eggs.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals support the body’s major functions such as vision, as well as the growth, repairing, and strengthening of skin, hair, and bones. Rich sources of vitamins and minerals include bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, dairy products, and dark green leafy vegetables.
• Fiber: Fiber aids in the digestion process and helps prevent constipation. It also lowers cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and helps maintain overall bowel health. Fruits and vegetables are all great sources of fiber, such as apples, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and berries.
• Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are essential for a balanced diet and they play an important role in helping your body maintain important functions like muscle movement, blood clotting, and vitamin and mineral absorption. Healthy fats also improve brain functioning, balance blood sugar, and decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Examples of healthy fats include avocados, cheese, vegetable-based oils, and nuts.
• Water: Water is absolutely necessary for physical health. It carries nutrients to cells, flushes toxins from the body, prevents constipation, and improves mood and brain functioning. The general recommendation for adults is eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day. Fruits and vegetables like spinach and watermelon will also help keep you hydrated.

Structured Meal Plans During Detox

Our Executive Chef works with a third-party dietician to ensure all the meals prepared and served at Hill Country Detox appropriately meet your nutritional needs while you’re in drug and alcohol detox. During the early stages of detox, some clients may not be able to eat solid foods or full meals. In these cases, our chef will provide foods like broth, jello, and protein bars, along with Gatorade to help replenish electrolytes. All meals at Hill Country Detox consist of a protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy fats, while also incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, apples, broccoli, peppers, and rich sources of lean protein like fish and chicken. Sugar is very minimal and all provided beverages are caffeine-free. Here is an example of one of our dietitian-approved menus:

Monday
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
Lunch: Blackened Catfish, Jalapeno Grits, Braised Greens
Dinner: Fried Chicken, Mac-n-Cheese, Broccoli

Tuesday
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
Lunch: Pesto, Mozzarella Chicken Ciabatta, Black Pepper Fries
Dinner: Grilled Char Sui Brisket, Garlic-Ginger Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Vegetables

Wednesday
Breakfast: Continental
Breakfast Lunch: Garlic Seared Chicken, Quinoa Salad, Pico de Gallo
Dinner: Chef’s Choice

Thursday Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
Lunch: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Marinara, Zucchini, Garlic Bread
Dinner: BBQ Pork Ribs, Baked Beans, Corn Bread

Friday
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
Lunch: Asian Chicken Salad, Egg Rolls, Sesame Ginger Dressing
Dinner: Whole Grain Mustard Pork Loin, Red Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables

Saturday
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
Lunch: Beef Picadillo con Chili Verde Quesadillas, Spanish Rice, Charro Beans
Dinner: Turkey Burgers, Swiss, Sweet Potato Fries

Sunday
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Bacon and Swiss, Spinach Salad
Dinner: Chef’s Choice of Pizza, Caesar Salad