Summary
When preparing for a treatment:
- Think positively
- Eat well
- Plan ahead
- Include nutritious snacks
- Consider suggestions for increasing calories and protein
- Don't forget physical activity
- Think about your activities. Which ones won't you be able to do during or immediately after treatment?
- Consider how to keep family and friends up-to-date.
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Eating Well
Your body needs a healthy diet to function at its best. It is even more important if you have cancer. With a healthy diet, you'll go into treatment with reserves to help keep up your strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and maintain your defenses against infection. People who eat well are better able to cope with side effects of treatment. And you may even be able to handle higher doses of certain drugs. In fact, some cancer treatments are more effective in people who are well-nourished and are getting enough calories and protein.
- Don't be afraid to try new foods. Some things you may never have liked before may taste good to you during treatment.
- Choose a diet with many types of plant-based food. Try substituting dried beans and peas for meat at a few meals each week.
- Try to eat at least 5 colorful servings a day of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables. Colorful vegetables and fruits and plant-based foods contain natural health-promoting substances called phytochemicals.
- Limit high-fat foods, especially those from animal sources. Choose lower-fat milk and dairy products. Reduce the amount of fat in your meals by choosing a lower-fat cooking method such as baking or broiling.
- Limit the amount of salt-cured, smoked, and pickled foods that you eat.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Try to maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
- If you are not able to do any of the above during this time, do not worry about it.
NOTE FROM SURVIVORSHIP A TO Z: You can learn about nutrition from the United States Department of Agriculture at: www.MyPyramid.gov , including a personalized plan. You can keep track of food intake and activity levels at www.My PyramidTracker.gov
Suggestions For Increasing Calories and Protein
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The Power Of Positive Thinking
You can reduce your anxiety about treatment side effects by having a positive attitude, talking about your feelings, and learning as much as you can about your cancer and treatment. Planning how you will cope with possible side effects can make you feel more in control and help you keep your appetite.
Many people have few or no side effects that keep them from eating. Even if you have side effects, they may be mild, and you may be able to control side effects with drugs that are available. Most of these effects go away after cancer treatment ends.
Plan Ahead
- Stock your pantry and freezer with your favorite foods so you won't need to shop as often. Include foods you know you can eat even when you are sick.
- Cook in advance and freeze foods in meal-sized portions.
- Talk to your friends or family members about ways they can help with shopping and cooking, or ask a friend or family member to take over those jobs for you.
- You can also talk to your doctor, nurse, or a registered dietitian about any concerns you have about eating well. She or he can help you plan meals and develop a grocery list in case you have side effects such as constipation or nausea.
Eat Nutritious Snacks
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High-Calorie, High-Protein Shake and Drink Recipes
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Don't Forget About Physical Activity!
Physical activity provides many benefits such as helping to maintain muscle mass, strength, and stamina, and bone strength. It can help reduce depression, stress, and constipation. So, if you don't already exercise, talk to your doctor about including at least 30 minutes or more of moderate activity, like walking, on 5 or more days of the week as you are able. If your doctor approves, start where you are (perhaps 5 to 10 minutes each day) and work up to the goal of 30 minutes -- as you are able.
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More Information
Exercise