1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
You may have nutritional challenges related to your weight while undergoing cancer treatments. A surgery may require an increased need for calories to supply energy and protein and rebuild damaged tissues. Loss of appetite or abdominal discomfort can promote a malnourished body while undergoing chemotherapy. Radiation to the head or neck can cause dry or sore mouth, maybe even changes in taste and smell. Check your current calorie needs and possible weight loss patterns during your specific treatments.
2. Stimulate Your Appetite
Feeling worn out after a treatment? Avoid a conventional eating pattern. Spread small meals throughout the day to achieve your nutrition goals--maybe five to six small meals. Choose your nutrients wisely so every bite counts, striving for balance in the food groups, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. Consult with your healthcare provider regarding supplements with specific nutrients or higher doses of multivitamins. If you are queasy or nauseous, try dry foods like crackers or bread in the morning. Later on, concentrate on foods you tolerate better.
3. Enhance Food Flavors
Some drugs may cause changes in taste sensation. How to overcome it? Eliminate certain offending foods and substitute for similar nutrient dense-packed ingredients. Use wines, salad dressings and strong seasonings to add flavor to bland food. Marinate lean meat, chicken, turkey with soy sauce, clam sauce or wine. Prepare a high calorie refreshing smoothie by blending your favorite fresh or frozen fruit, milk, frozen sorbet or yogurt and juice.
4. Avoid Feeling Full
You might be trying really hard to eat more food yet that sensation of fullness invades your stomach. Make small meals high in calories. Think peanut butter, add eggs and cheese to recipes and protein--include chunks of turkey, fish or beans to your lunch. Eating with others stimulates our appetite, especially if we're surrounded by a pleasant and familiar ambiance. Drink fluids after your meals so your stomach doesn't fill up on liquids.
5. Think High-Fiber for Constipation
The combination of treatments and drugs may lead to a "lazy" intestine--leading to frequent constipation. Don't forget your fluids. Drink six to eight glasses of fluid a day, sometimes more, as recommended by your doctor. Sometimes a homemade soup or broth can help, or some fruit juice as a mid-morning snack. Be creative with high-fiber foods in most meals, such as vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes and fruit. Add moderate exercise, maybe a light stroll in your neighborhood, alone or with your family to benefit your digestive system.
