1. Learn Which Foods Are Right for You
The dietary goals for every cancer patient are unique and can change throughout various stages of treatment. Following cancer treatments--such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy--you may have to alter your diet to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to boost immunity, stimulate recovery and maintain good health. Learn the side effects your specific treatment may cause, and learn which foods, supplements and other sources of nutrition can help to prevent them.
Ask your doctor about the diet progression you may have to undertake during the treatment process. For example, during early stages of cancer treatment, you might be able to eat a well-balanced diet that involves all five food groups. As treatments progress, you might switch to a more liquid diet comprising protein shakes, soft foods--like cooked vegetables and dairy products--and vitamin supplements before returning to a normal diet plan of solid foods.
2. Find Balance in the Foods You Choose
Variety is imperative when it comes to eating healthy while dealing with cancer. During and after cancer treatments, malnutrition is likely if you consume unhealthy foods. You should instead focus on eating an assortment of healthful foods, with an emphasis on plant sources. Eating five to nine small servings of fruits and vegetables, prepared in many different ways, is vital for maintaining a healthy diet. Also, incorporate many different protein-rich foods, such as lean beef and chicken, fatty fish like salmon, peanut butter, dried beans, tofu and healthy dairy products like yogurt, milk and cottage cheese.
The key is to avoid becoming bored with the foods you eat. Swap a salad for a grilled-chicken sandwich loaded with leafy greens and tomatoes. Add blueberries and granola to your morning cereal or oatmeal. Dice up fruits, such as oranges or peaches, and enjoy them with a cup of cottage cheese. You can also add green vegetables or lean meats to your pasta dishes or add whole-grain pasta noodles to your salads.
3. Cook Ahead of Time
Waiting to prepare a meal or snack until the moment when you are hungry could be hazardous. If you're tired or indecisive, a healthy meal could be too easy to skip. Instead, prepare or purchase many different healthy snacks, and keep them around the house or at your work desk. If you're hurried, a piece of fruit, a protein bar, a shake or even a handful of almonds could be enough to satisfy your hunger for a couple of hours. When preparing full meals, keep it simple. Baking chicken, sauteing salmon or boiling vegetables requires little effort. If you have time, prepare a casserole with leftovers, and save some of it to eat on another day.
