Confident Sober Women

The Missing Link in Addiction Recovery: Nutrition w/Christina Veselak

Shelby Episode 182

In this groundbreaking episode, we explore the crucial role of nutrition in addiction recovery and mental health with Christina Veselak, MS, LMFT, CN. Discover how proper nutrition can be the key to long-term sobriety and emotional well-being for those struggling with substance use disorders.

Key Topics Covered
- The impact of nutrition on addiction recovery and mental health
- Protein's role in managing cravings and preventing relapse
- The connection between blood sugar, willpower, and addiction
- Nutrition as a complementary approach to traditional addiction treatment
- How nutrition affects the efficacy of psychiatric medications

Christina Veselak, MS, LMFT, CN, is a clinical therapist with extensive experience in trauma and addiction treatment. She has integrated nutrition into her practice, focusing on helping individuals achieve lasting recovery from substance use disorders.

Highlights for Sober Women and Those in Long-Term Recovery
1. Personal journey: Christina's struggle with anxiety, depression, and food allergies
2. The "third leg of the stool" in addiction recovery: Nutrition
3. Addressing chronic relapse through targeted nutritional interventions
4. The link between protein intake and mental health stability
5. How proper nutrition can enhance the effectiveness of addiction treatment

Key Insights for Addiction Recovery
- The importance of regular protein intake to manage cravings and prevent relapse
- Understanding the biochemistry of addiction and how nutrition plays a vital role
- Practical tips for maintaining stable blood sugar levels during recovery
- The potential of nutritional interventions to reduce overdose deaths
- Alternatives to medication for the complex biochemistry of addiction and mood disorders

## Action Steps for Sustainable Sobriety
1. Incorporate regular protein intake into your daily routine
2. Be mindful of blood sugar drops and their impact on willpower
3. Consider nutritional approaches a traditional addiction treatment methods
4. Explore the connection between your diet and mental health symptoms
5. Consult with a nutritionist experienced in addiction recovery for personalized guidance

Visit Christina Veselak's websites for valuable information and resources:
- [Amino Acid Therapy](http://www.aminoacidtherapy.com)
- [Eating Protein Saves Lives](http://www.eatingproteinsaveslives.org)

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Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my program Sober Freedom Transformation is now open! It is for women who have been sober for a year to many and are ready to discover who they want to be in long term sobreity, develop confidence and improve their relationships.

If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us.

And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerably so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.