Ian Foster
Culinary Specialist
Culinary Therapy · Nutritional Wellness · Life Skills Through Food
Ian oversees nutrition and culinary programming at Back2Basics, helping young men discover that nourishing themselves well is one of the most powerful acts of self-care in recovery.
“When a young man learns to cook a good meal for himself, something shifts—he realizes he’s worth taking care of.”
— Ian Foster
About Ian
Ian Foster leads Back2Basics’ culinary program, believing that how we feed ourselves reflects how we care for ourselves. Through cooking classes, nutritional education, and daily meal preparation, clients learn food is both medicine and creative outlet.
Ian creates a welcoming, educational kitchen environment—many clients discover real confidence and creativity through cooking for the first time.
Proper nutrition is especially critical in early recovery, when the body is healing. Ian ensures every meal supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being.
What Ian Brings to Back2Basics
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Nutritional Recovery
Meal planning that supports physical healing, mental clarity, and energy in early recovery.
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Culinary Life Skills
Teaching clients to plan, shop for, and prepare nutritious meals independently.
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Mindful Eating
Introducing mindfulness practices around food as a form of emotional regulation.
Education & Credentials
- Culinary arts training and professional kitchen experience
- Nutritional wellness and recovery-focused meal planning
- Culinary therapy and food-as-medicine programming
- Life skills education through cooking and food preparation
Explore Programs & Services
Learn more about the programs and pathways that Ian supports at Back2Basics.
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Culinary & Nutrition
How food and cooking are used therapeutically at Back2Basics.
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Exercise & Fitness
Physical wellness as a partner to nutritional health in recovery.
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Residential Treatment
Where culinary therapy is integrated into everyday residential life.
Ready to Learn More?
Our team is here to support your family’s journey to recovery.
Articles by Ian
Ian has written 50 articles for the Back2Basics blog.
End-Stage Alcoholism: Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, and Where to Get Help
January 16, 2026
Before Back 2 Basics I Was Powerless Over Drugs & Alcohol
October 10, 2021
Culinary Community Service
April 24, 2020
Back2Basics Culinary – Lasagna
April 22, 2020
Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
August 1, 2019