Our therapeutic Cooking Program at Cirque Lodge helps clients build confidence, learn new skills, cultivate a focus and understanding of healthy nutrition, and gain greater independence.
Alcoholism and drug addiction, and poor diet take their toll on the body, leading to decreased nutrient absorption, lower food intake, and dysregulation of hormones. Nutritional deficiencies can severely affect the body and develop into medical concerns.
A poor diet can also develop into ingrained habits whereby the person stops thinking creatively and proactively about what they eat.
These dietary patterns are hard to break, and it is acknowledged that a poor diet can increase the chances of relapse.
A primary goal of rehabilitation at Cirque Lodge is to begin reversing the damage caused by substance abuse. Therapeutic cooking contributes to the healing process and lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle while gaining new knowledge and skills.
“(Cirque Lodge) is a perfect environment for recovery. It honestly is heaven on earth. It is the most beautiful, serene environment that I have been in.” – Anon.
The Cirque Lodge culinary team educates clients on nutrition and how to plan and prepare healthy meals.
Cooking therapy enables those recovering from addiction to develop a healthy relationship with food.
Encouraging the development of a healthy diet and demonstrating how nutrition plays an active role in recovery also aids the development of new cognitive, physical, and social abilities.
A core goal of our treatment programs is to ensure that our clients leave rehab with the tools needed to continue their recovery journey.
Our clients come to us from various unique situations, and changing their lifestyles and habits is a key factor in preventing relapse when they return home.
At Cirque Lodge, we aim to give clients the skills required to be successful and independent. Cooking is a fantastic skill to help them feel productive and confident and encourages positive social interaction.
The development of a nutritional plan involves planning meals and determining an appropriate meal schedule. It is essential that we take into account any issues the client has around food, including eating disorders.
Eating nutritious food benefits the body, mind, and spirit. The added sense of accomplishment that a client feels after creating and sharing a meal is immeasurable. We often hear from our clients post-rehabilitation that the skills learned through our Cooking Therapy program are one of the most beneficial and pleasurable teachings in aiding their sobriety. The joy and sense of reward felt when they share their newfound talents with friends and family encourages them to continue growing and developing this beneficial skill.
Nutrition and healthy eating habits are important for everyone; however, it is crucial for people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.
Even short-term addiction can negatively affect the body, and it works hard to eliminate toxic substances and repair itself from damage. We focus on restoring nutritional balance to support the body as it repairs any harm caused, as well as creating a sustainable healthy eating plan moving forwards.
For the brain and body to function correctly, they need sustenance. Food fuels the body by breaking down nutrients into glucose which is then released into the bloodstream to be used for energy or stored in the body for later use. The body requires various foods to thrive, and maintaining a balanced diet is an important part of creating a healthy lifestyle.
Understanding the relationship between nutrition and addiction recovery involves a deep understanding of the roles nutrients play in the body. Six core nutritional food groups should be part of a healthy, balanced diet for optimum health. These are:
The lack of nutrients from a poor diet combined with substance misuse puts significant stress on the body. Those who suffer from substance abuse and addiction are likely to experience the following issues:
As our clients begin to heal from the inside out, they will start to notice the difference that a healthy diet can make, including:
At Cirque Lodge, we provide personalized meal options that meet our client’s specific dietary needs.
Our Cooking Therapy sessions include plans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, dairy-free, kosher, Fodmap, or whatever your requirements may be.
This is not only limited to our Cooking Therapy treatment programs as we strive to provide excellent quality meals at all times. Our kitchen is always open to residents and is stocked with healthy snacks, fruits, vegetables, and drinks.
We use a farm-to-table culinary philosophy and source our foods locally when possible while focusing on the freshest and finest ingredients. Our kitchen staff are experienced chefs and culinary school graduates. We understand that the treatment process can be challenging, and we aim to provide pleasure and enjoyment through the food we serve.
Nutrition and healthy eating are integral parts of our treatment programs at Cirque Lodge. Our culinary offering is just one of the many ways we strive to provide the finest rehabilitation treatment for everyone who walks through our doors.
