Written by Mary Dye, MPH, RD, CEDRD, LD/N from Oliver Pyatt Centers
Maintaining recovery in a collegiate environment can be a difficult road to navigate. Understanding that there may be challenges, and preparing for these challenges is an essential step in continued recovery. Oliver-Pyatt Centers Director of Nutrition Services Mary Dye, MPH, RD, CEDRD, LD/N has put together a few tips on maintaining recovery in a college environment.
Schedule your snacks into your day and pack accordingly. For example, if you only have fifteen minutes between classes and the snack you prefer is yogurt and granola, be sure to pack it in an insulated bag so your food stays fresh during the earlier class. When choosing your classes, try to consider dining hall hours so it is open during your meal times. If you plan to visit the gym, do so with a friend in order to stay accountable and help yourself stick to time boundaries.
Join campus support groups.
Do not isolate during meals. Try to plan meals with a friend who is a positive nourishment role model.
Keep a week’s worth of snacks in your dorm. Stocking up on too many snacks can feel overwhelming, so try to stick with a variety of four or five snack combinations.
Limit caffeinated beverages to no more than one serving per day. Remember the only true way to increase your energy is through nourishing your body with food and getting restful sleep at night.
Continue to challenge yourself with foods that you made peace with while in treatment. Keep in mind that legalizing food is not checking off the “I tried it” box; instead, it is letting it remain a part of your diet on a longer-term basis until you can consume it without judgment.
For more information about Oliver-Pyatt Centers, please call 866.511.HEAL (4325), visit our website, subscribe to our blog, and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.