1. Chart a Daily Meal Plan
Consuming all the nutrients your body needs is not always easy for those undergoing or recovering from liver-cancer treatments. To ensure that you maintain a healthy diet, you should chart a course for a nutritional eating plan and follow it. Include high-fiber foods, and plan dishes that are low in saturated fat. Your diet should include foods that are rich in beta-carotene, selenium and vitamins C and E to support your immune system.
At first, keep things simple by using familiar, easy-to-prepare recipes. You may want to boost the nutritional value of these familiar recipes by adding a twist, however. For instance, add broccoli and chicken to your pastas. Improve the quality of your salad by adding sunflower seeds, or boost your hot cereal or oatmeal with fresh blueberries or flaxseed. If you're tired, take advantage of your local grocer's salad bar and other prepared foods to make cooking easier. When you do prepare a full meal, cook enough for two or three servings, and then freeze the leftovers for a later time.
2. Emphasize Fruits and Vegetables
Raw or cooked vegetables, fruits and fruit juices provide the vitamins, minerals and fiber you need to maintain a healthy diet. You should aim for five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Discover new ways to prepare these foods, or take a chance and try something new. Green, leafy vegetables are great sources of calcium and have been recognized as cancer-fighting foods in numerous studies.
3. Think Positively
Having a positive attitude, being open about your feelings and becoming well-informed about liver cancer and treatment can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can adversely affect your appetite. Take control of the situation, and plan ways to cope so you can enjoy a well-balanced diet that will help keep you energized and healthy.
Have meals with family or friends to keep yourself upbeat. Ask a friend or relative to accompany you to the market, and talk about the many different kinds of healthy foods available. Discuss recipes with others, or read through a recipe book for new ideas.
