PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD Nutrition, exercise classes help women find better health during recovery
Eat right and exercise. That’s sound advice for good health for everyone. For people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, it’s critical. To help meet Lifeline’s vision to “help individuals become spiritually alive, mentally sound and physically well,” our women’s campus recently added two important classes in nutrition and fitness. “When you’re addicted, you skip meals,” said Melissa, who began treatment in January. Skipping meals deprives the body of valuable nutrients when they’re in the greatest demand to detoxify. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides a weekly class through its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Stephanie Caldwell is the instructor.
As she covers topics ranging from food safety to meal planning and budgeting, Stephanie reminds the clients: “We learn one step at a time. This is not about a diet, but about making healthy choices for the recovering body.”
“You wouldn’t even recognize us from our pictures just a month ago. The color has come back in our skin and hair, and that’s important to our selfimage. When you look good, you feel good!” MELISSA
2021 Client
Her goal is not only to help clients while they are at the center, but also to teach them how to make better choices for themselves and their families when they go home. For example, they have learned about the ill effects of sugar and caffeine, which produce highs and lows. Jennifer, who also began treatment in January, said she now checks food labels. “Pop Tarts are not healthy at all,” she said, “and Nutri-Grain bars are worse. You might as well just eat straight sugar!” Faith Fit includes Bible study before exercise.
The women attend two or three fitness sessions weekly in the exercise room, sporting new
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