Nutrition
In the pursuit of holistic wellness, PACE Recovery Center provides healthy, nutritious meals to those in recovery.
When a person is in active addiction, their health suffers. One of the firsts areas of decline? Proper nutrition.
Those who are reliant on drugs or alcohol neglect their diet. Due to the suppression of their natural appetite, they eat rarely – and when they do, meals usually consist of sugary snacks that lack nutrients.
When someone enters treatment, it is vital to establish a strong nutritional foundation. We accomplish this by offering life skills programs that empower participants to care for themselves (often for the very first time). Young men who come to PACE Recovery are invited to participate in our immersive, educational cooking groups.
Weekly Nutrition Process Group
PACE Recovery’s Nutrition Process Group is a rare offering. We understand the fundamental importance of the mind-body connection – when someone lacks essential vitamins and minerals, their physical and mental health suffer. Research shows that nutrient deficiencies result in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low energy. In order to promote good mental health and guard against relapse, we educate residents about the role of diet in recovery.
Our group is run by a specialized clinical professional; in each session, young men learn key facts about nutrition. We also address issues common to recovery, such as excess sugar and caffeine intake. At PACE, group members learn about making good food choices, how food can affect mood, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Cooking Classes: Learning Life Skills at PACE Recovery
In addition to theory, we provide the opportunity for residents to put their new knowledge into practice. During our cooking classes, a therapist and registered dietitian work together to promote each person’s independence, self-sufficiency, and nutritional know-how.
Who Benefits from Nutritional Education?
PACE’s nutritional programming is ideal for:
- Anyone in recovery
- Young men seeking to live independently
- Those in recovery from eating disorders
- Men with maladaptive eating patterns
- Those who think that they may have disordered eating
Research shows that eating disorders are increasingly common among young men. For those contending with eating disorders, disordered eating, or maladaptive eating patterns, we offer individual weekly sessions with a nutritionist.
Our specialized protocols for clients who have some degree of disordered eating include:
- Food-related support at the houses
- Re-establishing the social aspect of meals
- Collaborative clinical and nutritional intervention
- Provision of structure and regular meal times
- Observation of disordered behaviors
- Emotional support following meals
- Addressing negative self-image and harmful thoughts
Guidance from a Registered Dietitian
PACE Recovery is proud to offer expert nutritional support from our registered dietitian, Kristina Cox, RD. Kristina graduated from California State University, Chico, where she received her bachelor’s with dual options in clinical and community nutrition. She continued her education at San Francisco State University, where she received a graduate certificate and completed a dietetic internship. During this time, Kristina worked closely with both teens and adults who struggled with substance abuse and disordered eating. At PACE, she takes pride in helping clients through research-based nutrition therapy.
Providing a Foundation for Lasting Recovery Since 2012
For more than a decade, PACE’s supportive services have been unique and unrivaled. Each protocol and process is developed with the young adult male in mind. Our highly tailored approach enables us to provide lasting lessons to those who pass through our doors. Through quality mental health care and ongoing support, we empower residents to change their lives forever.To learn more about PACE’s nutritional education and cooking group, contact us today.
