When you are on the road to recovery, cooking healthy and restorative meals can be a huge help with the transition to sober living. Whether you’re at a sober home in Los Angeles or dealing with your life after rehab somewhere else, preparing meals for yourself and others can be hugely beneficial to your healing process, and it also lays the groundwork for living a healthy lifestyle as you move forward. Here are some of our favorite easy recipes that are fortified with nutrition and will keep you feeling great during your addiction recovery and beyond:
1. Quinoa pilaf
This gluten free dish is packed with protein, fiber and other nutrients, making it ideal for recovery. To start, sauté 1 tablespoon each of garlic and onion in a tablespoon of canola oil. Add 2/3 cup of quinoa and stir for a minute. Next, add 1 1/2 cups of vegetable stock and bring to a boil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Reduce to low heat and simmer until the quinoa is done. When it’s finished, add some dried cranberries, toasted almonds and some freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy your healthy meal!
2. Honey mustard cod
Fish is a healthy alternative to meat because it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cognition, which are both important factors on the road to recovery. To make this dish, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Season a pound of cod (divided into four pieces) with salt and pepper and place it on a greased baking sheet. Make a glaze by combining 1/4 cup of raw honey, 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard, 2 1/2 teaspoons of horseradish, one tablespoon of freshly chopped chives, 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped dill and some ground pepper, then drizzle the glaze on to the fish. Bake for about 15 minutes, broiling for the last minute.
3. Green blueberry smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to start your day off on the right foot. To make this nutrient-rich beverage, simply combine 1 cup plain kefir, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1 banana, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon flax seeds, and 1 teaspoon honey in a blender and blend until nice and smooth. Enjoy for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day!