Counseling and help from support groups play vital roles when a person stops drinking. Eating the right foods also aids in recovery, beginning with detoxification. Recovering alcoholics go through uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms from the removal of toxic substances in their bodies. Nutritious foods improve their health and replenish the body with nutrients lost from heavy drinking.
Low-Fat Protein
A low-fat diet helps alcoholics during the detoxification and recovery process, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Recovering alcoholics may have a decreased appetite in the beginning, but tend to overeat when regular eating habits return. Low-fat foods help them feel better and improve moods to reduce the risk of relapse. Lean beef, skinless poultry and fish lessen fat intake. Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods can replace whole-milk products. Protein aids in the diet for alcoholics, but a high-protein diet can put a strain on the kidneys, MedlinePlus explains.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates needed for alcoholic recovery. These foods provide energy for the body, brain and nervous system, MedlinePlus notes. Sources of whole grains include whole-grain cereal, bread and pasta, oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice and barley. Choosing whole grains over refined grains, such as white bread or white flour, provides low-fat nutrition. Fiber-rich whole grains also provide a feeling of fullness while digesting smoothly without causing digestive problems, unlike fatty foods.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables also contain high-fiber content for rapid digestion. Apples, pears, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, oranges, figs and raisins provide plenty of fiber, according to MayoClinic.com. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, carrots, turnips, peas, lima beans and beets are high in fiber and carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables, such as slices of carrots or celery, make healthy snacks when the urge strikes. Alcoholics may crave sweets during recovery and do not have to deny themselves urges that help prevent relapse. Gaining a few pounds outweighs the dangers of alcoholism. Focusing on low-fat sweets along with fruits and vegetables improves the diet and helps during detoxification and recovery.
Fluids
Drinking plenty of water and other liquids helps restore fluids lost through dehydration caused by excessive alcoholic drinking. Fruit juices and skim or low-fat milk help in the detox process. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends reducing intake of caffeinated drinks. Recovering alcoholics may want coffee or soft drinks, but should limit intake to avoid nervousness or insomnia caused by too much caffeine.
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Writer Bio
Jerry Shaw writes for Spice Marketing and LinkBlaze Marketing. His articles have appeared in Gannett and American Media Inc. publications. He is the author of "The Complete Guide to Trust and Estate Management" from Atlantic Publishing.