We all need some help with food and diet from time to time. Whilst I’m not a qualified nutritionist, after publishing two recipe books, I do know about food and food prep,
Whilst undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, you
may be tired, have no appetite, feel nauseous or worse not be able to keep food
down. It’s important at this time to
make sure that you continue to receive both fluids and nutrition.
So, smoothies with the additional of protein packed seeds are
a good easy to drink food. Slow cooked
soups with some herbs are an easy lunch and can be premade and heated up making
it super easy for those who are also struggling with fatigue.
Some chemotherapy treatments may leave you with a metallic
taste so everything you eat tastes disgusting. It’s not clear why this happens
but it appears to effect the bitter taste area of your taste buds the
most.
Some people find it helpful to avoid eating their favourite
foods at this time and eat other foods instead, flavouring foods with herbs,
spices and tasty sauces. Eat smaller more frequent meals, which are high in
calories, nutrients and protein. Protein
is important for people undergoing chemotherapy as it supports immunity and
provides energy. Foods which are appealing to look at and smell good to
you.
Increase your fluid intake so that you stay well hydrated,
water is the best fluid but add some slices of lemon or orange. Fresh herbal teas with a slice of lemon and
some fresh ginger are both hydrating and helpful for this unpleasant side
effect of chemotherapy.
Breakfast ideas
Overnight oats
½ cup oats
¾ cup coconut milk
2 tsp almond butter
2 tsp hemp seeds
2 tsp chia seeds
Place everything in a bowl, mix, cover and place in fridge
overnight. In the morning add some grated apple, fresh berries or chopped mango This can be eaten cold or warmed gently on
the stove.
Very Berry
Smoothie
½ cup berries
1 frozen banana
1 ½ cup coconut milk
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1 tsp chia seeds
Place everything in blender and blitz until smooth. Drink straight away or store in fridge and drink
throughout the day.
Ideas for lunch and dinner are savoury bakes, stews, dhal,
soups served with some colourful seasonal vegetables, always serve some raw
food such as a tasty salad with lunch and dinner. Jazz up salads with tasty salad dressings.