Resources

Food is Medicine:

How Nutrition Supports Recovery For Veterans

By: Kassandra L. Ahner

Have you ever wondered how much your diet impacts your mood and mental health? We’ve all heard the sayings, “You are what you eat” or “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But how true are they—especially when it comes to recovering from trauma?

At Battle Borne, we know recovery is never one-size fits-all. Veterans often face unique physical and emotional challenges after service, and while medications and clinical therapies are essential tools, healing doesn’t stop there. In fact, something as simple—and powerful—as food can be a crucial part of that journey.

A diet rich in whole, nourishing foods can support both mental and physical wellness. But when you’re dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety or PTSD, even basic self-care, like eating balanced meals can feel out of reach. Some of us turn to food as a coping mechanism, while others lose their appetite or struggle to recognize hunger or fullness cues after becoming disconnected from our bodies.

That’s why Battle Borne’s mission includes more than just access to counseling and peer support—we also focus on holistic wellness, including programs that address nutrition, physical health, and mindful living.

Healing Begins With the Basics: Food, Sleep and Movement

One of the first questions we ask veterans isn’t about their prescriptions or diagnoses. We start with: “How are you eating?” and “How are you sleeping?” These foundational aspects of health can often go overlooked, but they can make a huge difference in how you feel day-to-day.

As someone who once cringed at the word “exercise” and drank a half pot of coffee on every shift, I get it—change is hard. But we’ve seen firsthand that even the best therapy or medication can fall short if the body isn’t getting what it needs to heal.
That’s why Battle Borne offers a wide range of services to support the whole person, including:

  • Nutrition education to demystify healthy eating.
  • Military Share Food Program to provide fresh, nutritious meals for military families
  • Trauma-informed yoga and therapeutic movement classes
  • Massage therapy and stress-reduction resources

These programs are designed to address real-world barriers– like cost, confusion over what’s actually “healthy,” and lack of access to fresh food. For veterans recovering from trauma or addiction, this kind of support can be life-changing. Food becomes even more critical when the brain and body are in a state of repair.

 

The Science Behind It

Eating well and staying hydrated doesn’t just make you “feel better’—it physically supports your body’s ability to recover, supporting the body’s natural detoxification process helping flush out stress hormones and harmful chemicals.

For example:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) have been linked to improved brain function and reduced symptoms of depression, according to Harvard Health.
  • Protein-rich foods regulate blood sugar and support the production of key mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—key players in mood, motivation, and focus.
  • Healthy carbohydrates, like oats and brown rice, break down into glucose– the brain’s preferred source of energy.

At Battle Borne, we believe in meeting people where they are. Recovery isn’t about rigid meal plans or cutting out every indulgence. It’s about making small, realistic changes that feel sustainable and supportive.

This might look like:

  • Drinking a full glass of water each morning
  • Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
  • Choosing reduced fat food options
  • Avoiding skipped meals and listening to hunger cues
  • Choosing grilled or boiled foods over fried ones
  • Swapping white bread for whole grain or wheat
  • Opting for unsweetened beverages
  • Adding more fruits and vegetables to meals
  • Limiting condiments high in sugar and fat

These are the kind of strategies we explore together in our wellness programs. There’s no pressure—just options, education, and encouragement.

You Deserve to Heal

Veterans deserve access to every tool that can support their recovery, and nutrition is one of the most overlooked. At Battle Borne, we’re here to walk alongside you on the path to healing—whether that means connecting you to a peer group, a yoga mat, or a warm, nourishing meal.

If you’re ready to take a small step towards healing, we’re ready to support you.

 

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Battle Borne is a collaborative effort among like-minded individuals and organizations intent on repairing and restoring people who have served our country. We do this by delivering a unique level of support and guidance to those service men and women who have emotional and psychological wounds.