Nutrition - Mandala | West Palm Beach Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Healing Through Nutrition

Reconnecting with the physical body through healthy food.

Total healing begins from the inside, which is why proper nutrition is essential for every individual in recovery. Substance abuse harms the body both directly through toxins that are introduced to the system and also indirectly due to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor sleep patterns and irregular eating habits. Regular mealtimes are especially important during recovery since drug and alcohol addiction can cause a person to forget what it is like to be hungry and mistake this feeling as a craving.

Consuming whole, fresh foods and those that are prepared with care using effective, nutrient-enhanced cooking methods provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals. Optimal functioning and mental health are facilitated through a proper diet consumed at regular intervals throughout the day.

The Purpose Of Nutrition In Recovery

Reconnecting with the physical body through healthy food sets the stage for a transition back to wellness. Because the heavy use of drugs and alcohol combined with poor nutritional intake takes a terrible toll on the immune system over years of misuse, the natural physical defense systems of the body that have been broken down must be given special attention and dedicated time to heal.

Poor nutrition also adds to the compromised sense of self-esteem that those suffering from addiction may already experience. Healthy eating habits have the added benefit of helping to restore a patient’s physical appearance, as well as internal functioning.

What To Expect

Our dietician evaluates each new patient at the point of his or her particular phase of recovery. Nutritional re-evaluations are then held at Mandala on an ongoing basis. These private sessions are designed to be collaborative and empowering with an emphasis on instilling healthful, life-long eating habits. Additionally, patients may participate in special group sessions and fun, hands-on cooking classes where they are taught the valuable life skill of learning to prepare their own healthy foods.

A number of patient behaviors like snacking and regular mealtimes are explored. Patients begin to note the intake levels of a variety of fluids and foods – both healthy and unhealthy – including those that contain:

Caffeine
Sugar
Refined carbohydrates
Antioxidants
Protein
Fiber

It is when patients feel safe enough to share this valuable information that our nutritionist can begin to really work on specific strategies to address their unique nutritional concerns. By communicating closely with the patient’s medical practitioners regarding lab results, nutritional supplements can be added if needed. For example, some vitamin and mineral supplements including B-complex, zinc, and vitamins A and C may be particularly helpful to individuals in recovery.

Once Mandala patients recognize that they have fallen into unhealthy relationships with food, many are open to making the necessary adjustments in their diets. Sometimes, a complete diet overhaul may be warranted, and in those cases, the Mandala dietician will provide individually tailored eating plans. For most, simple adjustments like transitioning to smaller meals full of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and easily digestible proteins like fish, poultry and beans help to nurture their recovering brains.

What Clients Think

Once patients identify and take responsibility for unhealthy eating habits, they begin to feel encouraged and excited for improvement. Early on, they may begin to see that regular healthy snacking with protein-laden food can help stabilize their blood sugar levels and mood. Light snacking or eating smaller, more frequent meals containing minimal refined sugar and caffeine can reduce emotional swings and cravings that may flare up between larger meals. The better patients feel throughout the day, the greater their chances are of maintaining long-term recovery behaviors.

Testimonials

The Mandala Healing Center values the kind and generous words that both professionals and patients have shared with us. Thank you.

Why has The Mandala Healing Center been successful when other programs were not? The Mandala Healing Center was a much longer term program than he had participated in previously, and Mark knew that if he didn’t follow the rules that he had no chance of future family support. These consequences may have been just as important as the rehab center itself. They staff at The Mandala Healing Center is appropriately strict, honest and demanding of their clients. They helped him address legal issues as well as helping him gain employment. This was a relatively unique aspect of the center. It forced individuals to be proactive and encouraged optimism regarding the future. I do not know if this is similar at other programs. The therapists at The Mandala Healing Center have also been exceptional: Chris, his therapist has been great–forthright, and great at communication. He has helped Mark sort out numerous psychosocial problems. Mark has continued to follow up with him intermittently since completing the program at Mandala. I have no hesitation in recommending The Mandala Healing Center for someone with Mark’s challenges.

Dr. Malone, Jersey City, NJ

I think the world of you and what you’re doing to help people. I do owe my life to you, Brett, and Mike, literally. Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude, nor could anything in this world. Maybe someday, when you run into me clean and sober, you’ll get some ‘thanks’ from above. Those several days I spent with you changed something in me. I can’t quite put my finger on it–but it’s good. And you guys all had a part in it. For that, my deepest gratitude belongs to you, Joe, Brett, Mike, and the young lady who welcomed me with all the grace she had in her. My hope is that we can become friends. Quality people like yourselves is what I need in my life.

Brian T., Philadelphia, PA

It brings me pleasure to acknowledge the excellence of your facility. My husband recently stayed at the Delray Beach site. I was so pleased with my visit. Immediately, I noticed the neatly-groomed grounds and cleanliness of the rooms. It was very impressive. During my husband’s stay, he became very ill and needed emergency medical care. It is impossible to express, in words, our thanks and appreciation to Brett for his unbelievable job of observation, caring, and kindness to him. Also, for his patience with my many phone calls and willingness to assist beyond the call of duty with compassion. I am also thankful to Mike, who assisted with the packing, and Joe for his conversations. The respectful and helpful manner of The Mandala Healing Center staff was beyond what I expected. My gratitude and prayers are with all. God Bless you and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Theresa R., Orlando, FL

The Mandala Healing Center has helped me in many ways. They helped me deal better with my traumas, become more educated about the disease of addiction, and open up more. The Mandala Healing Center crew is a great group of people who are willing to help if you are willing to change. I have strong hope after your recovery program. There is no doubt that the therapists are fantastic people. They helped me out so much and I won’t ever forget them and what they did to help me in recovery.

Jonathan D., Long Island, NY

Our Beautiful Recovery Facility

A serene healing environment provides a level of comfort and safety that influences a patient’s positive attitude and response to detox. Situated on a peaceful 8-acre campus in West Palm Beach, The Mandala Healing Center is a retreat-like sanctuary designed to allow individuals to focus completely on healing — body, mind, and spirit.