Individuals entering a substance abuse recovery center lack proper nutrition and healthy eating habits.   According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, substance abuse leads to irregular eating, poor diet quality and overall nutrition deficiencies.  Individuals in recovery would greatly benefit from learning basic nutrition and making healthy lifestyle choices. The Lewis County SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with Belle Grove Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) to teach residents the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to help them develop a healthier diet by making healthy food choices and incorporating daily physical activity.   

During a five month period, 25 of men enrolled in the Nutrition Education Program.   Of these male participants, 67% showed improvement in overall diet quality; 76% showed improvement in physical activity; and 68% reported an improvement in their ability to better manage their resources.   

One of the most enjoyable part of the program for the participants was the food sampling portion.   While the recipe was often something different or new to the participants, they were quick to sample and respond with approval.  One participant stated that he intended to go home and impress his wife with his new interest in cooking and surprise her with all the new recipes he had received.

 Substance abuse recovery encompasses the whole body and mind.   In order for an individual to fully recover and become a healthy individual, they must develop long term nutritional habits that will enable them to live a healthier lifestyle.  With the partnership of the Lewis County SNAP-Ed assistant and Belle Grove ARC, these men received a little additional push towards a healthier lifestyle and overall recovery.