Nutrition’s Fundamental Role in the 5 Stages of Change

Healing is an intricate process with multiple stages. As people progress toward full recovery, they journey through various stages of change. When you progress through the various phases of your journey, LifeSpring Home Nutrition is available to provide wholesome meals made with the finest ingredients.

What Are the Stages of Change?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explains the five stages of change in recovery from substance disorders. Those stages are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Each phase differs in the levels of awareness, motivation, and capability that a person has at that time. These stages are explained below.

#1. Pre-contemplation: In this stage, people are aware of a few negative consequences of the current situation but are not considering change. They are commonly unaware of the problem and unlikely to take actionable steps in the foreseeable future.

#2. Contemplation: People are aware of some pros and cons of their actions in this phase. However, they feel ambivalent toward the concept of change. They are unwilling or unable to commit to altering their behavior.

#3. Preparation: People in this recovery stage have decided to change and started planning the steps toward recovery.

#4. Action: In this stage, people are not yet stable in recovery. They are taking the first active steps toward change by attempting alternative behaviors.

#5. Maintenance: Someone in this phase has implemented and established long-term healthy practices and intends to sustain this change.

Everyone Goes Through Changes Differently

Although there are five stages of change, it’s important to remember that recovery is not linear. There is no definitive model for the cycle of change in recovery; the healing journey looks different for everyone. According to a SAMHSA publication, Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy, “As clients move through different stages of recovery, treatment must move with them, changing therapeutic strategies and leadership roles with the condition of the clients.”

Assumptions regarding the stages of change can be inaccurate and insensitive. The recovery journey will not correspond perfectly for everyone. People move in and out of the stages in a nonlinear manner. Just because someone may experience a slip backward, they are not automatically back to the beginning of the cycle.

Adjustments and shifts in treatment are required as healing is not time-bound. It is impossible to calculate how long an individual will remain in each phase or even which stage will occur at a given time. For this reason, you must remain aware and respectful of your or your loved one’s varying needs.

How to Support Someone Through the Stages of Change

The following describes just a few ways to support someone (including yourself) during the different stages of change.

Support During the Pre-Contemplation Stage of Change

• Remain optimistic and open.
• Offer practical assistance with daily needs.
• Reiterate the individual’s descriptions of the disadvantages of problem behavior.
• Increase awareness of the problem with compassion, empathy, and patience.
• Emphasize the benefits of change, but avoid pushing or forcing treatment.

Support During the Contemplation Stage of Change

• Continue to practice patience and understanding.
• Don’t offer advice in the form of threats or “should” statements (e.g., “You don’t have a choice”).
• Highlight the incongruence between the individual’s values and behavior (without judgment).
• Validate the individual with assurance that ambivalence is expected.
• Offer information regarding treatment and support.

Support During the Preparation Stage

• Research your loved one’s particular challenge to develop awareness and understanding.
• Encourage them to reach out to other members of their support system.
• Normalize new behaviors.
• Help establish actionable and reachable goals and steps.
• Encourage “small steps” and celebrate “small wins.”
• Approach difficulties with problem-solving skills rather than with frustration or fear.

Support During the Action Stage of Change

• Positively reinforce efforts to change.
• Acknowledge positive outcomes and connect them with new behaviors.
• Continue to encourage lifestyle changes to support recovery.
• Listen without judgment.
• Ask your loved one how you can best support them.

Support During the Maintenance Stage of Change

• Remain cognizant and respectful of the individual’s plans and goals.
• Encourage and practice self-care and healthy habits.
• Help spread mental health awareness to others around you.
• Reframe lapses and challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Remember that recovery is not a linear journey.

Nutrition’s Impact on the Stages of Change

Research indicates that wholesome nutrition is crucial for recovery and relapse prevention. According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, “Nutrition, which includes physiological and psychosocial disciplines, is involved in every aspect of recovery.”

A proper diet is key throughout the stages of change. Nutrition impacts the quality of your recovery, preparing you to function at a higher mental and emotional level and make better decisions.

Improved cognitive function can empower you to keep moving forward in a positive way. Food offers the strength and stamina to learn, recall, and implement new coping skills. Whether you are actively in treatment or further along in recovery, you can benefit from a supported and individualized meal plan.

LifeSpring Is Here to Support You

LifeSpring Home Nutrition strives to address the global healthcare crisis with one delicious, convenient, and affordable meal at a time. Owner Cathleen Anthony explains that “Our business was built in 2003 on the values of taking care of clients in the way a family member would.” Each customer is given a thoughtful, individualized plan just like they deserve.

LifeSpring has proudly and passionately joined with CalOptima to deliver healthy meals to those in need through the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal project. CalAIM was created to support individuals of various environments and circumstances, including those battling mental illness and substance use disorders.

Any customer with a medical requirement and Medi-Cal in Orange County has access to CalAIM’s benefits. Based on individual needs, members can receive up to 14 wholesome meals a week for 24 weeks. LifeSpring stands by your side and supports your journey, no matter what stage of change you are in.

A balanced diet plays a vital role in the process of moving through each phase of the recovery journey. These stages include pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. In each stage, people have unique and valid physical and emotional requirements. As the first in California to develop and deliver medically tailored meals, LifeSpring Home Nutrition strives to support and sustain those in need. We are firm believers that the eating experience should be easy and enjoyable for all. As you or your loved one navigate the complex cycle of change, you can rest assured knowing you have fresh, healthy, and delicious meals coming to your door weekly. Contact LifeSpring at (800) 798-5767 to get started today.