At Tree House Recovery in Portland, Oregon, men learn that taking care of their bodies is like taking care of a machine. What they put into their bodies greatly affects what they can get out of their bodies and their bodies need to be well maintained. A focus on health, diet, and nutrition become critical parts of a man’s life in recovery to support a renewed sense of living life to the fullest. Being in Oregon means having access to some of the most nutrient dense produce and local ingredients the country has to offer, providing men with a unique opportunity to learn seasonal cooking.
Fish
Farmers markets tend to create visuals of produce like fruits and vegetables instead of any kind of meat, poultry, or fish. However, in the summer months, Oregon is rich with a local celebrity: king salmon. In other parts of the country, king salmon can run up to $30 a pound or more. For Oregon locals, king salmon comes cheap, usually no more than $10 a pound, if even. Salmon should be on the farmers market shopping list for any man in recovery. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a prime choice for a brain-healthy diet. Since addiction tends to rob the brain of essential nutrients, it is critical to feed the brain specifically in recovery. Omega-3 fatty acids help the brain function, but can only be obtained through foods like salmon.
Fruits
Early summer is peak season for Oregon berries. Berries are rich in antioxidants, natural sugar, and other nutrients the recovering man’s body needs. Put berries on toast with local nut butter, mix in with protein rich yogurts, or eat as a snack throughout the day for energy and nutrition. Though it is technically an invasive species, the Oregon blackberry is famous. All season long you can find blackberry everything at local restaurants, spas, bakeries, and more. You don’t even need to go to the market for your blackberry desires. Most often, out in the country, you can find blackberries growing wild on the side of the road. Cherries of all varieties, raspberries, and strawberries are also in season, making great smoothies, salads, and desserts.
Vegetables
In the Pacific Northwest, cruciferous vegetables reign during the early summer months. Broccoli, Cauliflower, Arugula, and other members of the Brassicaceae are available as are summer squash and many varieties of Oregon mushrooms. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, these fiber dense veggies are good for mind and body.
Where To Market:
Portland has a farmer’s market in nearly every neighborhood area at least once a week. For more centrally located city markets, you can try the Portland Farmers Market at Pioneer Courthouse Square, which is easy to access by public transportation or bicycle. Portland State University’s campus also offers a Portland Farmers Market. There are multiple online listings of farmer’s markets throughout the city and nearby towns as well. For a little adventure fun, head into Hillsboro or the agricultural towns of Willamette Valley for their farmers markets as well.
Call us today for information on our men’s addiction treatment programs, helping men find freedom from addiction: (503) 850-2474
