Guest Contributor – Megan Swan
Just Eat Fruit: My Fresh Perspective on Wellness in Recovery
As a wellness expert and host of “Wellness As A Way of Life,” I’ve come to understand that recovery is much like peeling back the layers of an onion. In my work with clients and through my own personal journey, I’ve discovered that it’s not just about eliminating the most obvious substances from our lives – it goes much deeper than that.
My Sugar-Alcohol Awakening
I actually kicked sugar before I fully understood its connection to alcohol. What fascinated me was discovering how both substances metabolize similarly in our bodies, essentially being stored as fat and affecting our dopamine systems. I noticed this continuous feedback loop between consumption and anxiety in my own life.
I’ll be completely honest – I still struggle with sugar cravings, especially when it comes to chocolate and movie theater treats. While I can talk for hours about the benefits of raw cacao for feminine energy, serotonin, and hormone balance – which I do also love – put me in front of a bag of nibs anytime, and I’m all in. I remember those nights with my girlfriends, watching Sex and the City episodes, each of us with our own bag of candy and fashion magazines. While the friendship and laughter were healthy, the sugar consumption definitely wasn’t.
What I’ve Observed in Recovery Spaces
Through supporting friends in traditional recovery spaces, I’ve noticed that the food and drink offerings often don’t support overall wellness. While I understand these are usually volunteer-run spaces where people bring what they think will be comforting, I can’t help but imagine how different it would be if we offered fresh fruit bowls or veggies with dip instead.
My Simple Solution: Just Eat Fruit
When people tell me they’re struggling with sugar cravings in recovery, I give them what I consider my most powerful tool: just eat fruit. I know there’s a lot of bs pushback about fruit being full of carbs and sugar, but here’s what I tell my clients – it’s also packed with fiber, hydration, nutrients, and vitamins. It truly is nature’s candy, and it’s been my personal workaround for managing sweet cravings while maintaining wellness.
Beyond Sugar: The Bigger Picture I’ve Discovered
In my wellness journey, I’ve learned that toxicity extends far beyond what we eat or drink. I’m particularly passionate about addressing the everyday toxins we don’t even realize we’re exposing ourselves to. These include everything from our bathroom products to our cleaning supplies and laundry detergents. I’ve seen firsthand how these seemingly innocent products can impact our clarity, energy levels, and immunity.
My Holistic Approach to Recovery
Through my work and personal experience, I’ve developed a more comprehensive view of recovery. I believe it’s not just about eliminating one substance – it’s about examining our entire relationship with various forms of toxicity in our lives. Here’s how I approach it:
1. First, we identify and eliminate primary toxic substances
2. Then, we look at secondary dependencies (like sugar, caffeine and “energy drinks “)
3. We find healthy alternatives (this is where fruit comes in!)
4. We examine environmental toxins, and build awareness around how these things might affect us.
5. Finally, we make conscious choices about household products and processed foods.
Making Better Choices: My Personal Strategy
I’ve learned to get super curious and super present with how I want to feel, and I use that awareness to guide my choices. When I’m craving something sweet, instead of reaching for processed treats, I ask myself what my body really needs. Often, a piece of fresh fruit satisfies not just the craving but also provides the nutrients my body is actually seeking.
The Journey Continues
In my role as a wellness expert, I’m always available to help others workshop their personal cravings or struggles with new, “not quite as toxic” substances in recovery. I believe that support and guidance are crucial in this journey, and I’m passionate about helping others navigate these challenges.
Looking Forward
What I’ve learned through my own journey and working with others is that wellness in recovery is an ongoing process. It’s about making conscious choices that support our overall wellbeing, one step at a time. I’ve seen how starting with simple switches like choosing fruit over processed sugars can lead to broader awareness and better choices in all areas of life.
If you’re in recovery or simply looking to improve your wellness journey, I encourage you to get curious about your relationships with various substances and behaviors. Start with one layer – maybe it’s sugar, maybe it’s processed foods, maybe it’s your household products. Whatever it is, approach it with curiosity and awareness.
Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Take it one layer at a time, just like peeling that onion. And if you’re struggling with cravings or looking for healthier alternatives, I’m here to help. Because at the end of the day, wellness isn’t just about what we eliminate from our lives – it’s about what we choose to include that supports our highest good.
And sometimes, the solution is as simple as just eating fruit.
Megan Swan is an integrative wellness coach, author, and podcast host. She works with high impact women globally who know that wellness-alignment is the wave of the future: a non-negotiable strategy in life and business. With fourteen years of experience in the wellness industry and a proven track record of helping female founders make wellness a way of life. Megan empowers women to be fit, fresh. and fierce while they build legacy impact. She has been featured on more than 30 podcasts in addition to hosting her own podcast Wellness As A Way of Life, she has published dozens of articles for Authority Magazine, ThriveGlobal and Tatler. She published her first book 10 Day Detox (2019) helping Moms detox everyday toxins to reboot their vitality. Her latest book Marinating In Chaos was just released. She is on a mission to redefine wellness with a less is more approach.
Let’s connect!
Leave a Reply