Making the Change

Making the Change to Healthful Eating During Cancer

Dealing with cancer is emotionally, physically and mentally grueling in many different ways. One element of daily life with cancer that can play an important part in dealing with cancer is eating healthy. However, not all cancer patients or their families know exactly how to go about doing so. Sometimes they feel too overwhelmed dealing with all the other aspects of cancer to take on an additional lifestyle change such as changing a diet plan. The good news is that eating healthy while dealing with cancer is simple and can have multiple benefits.

Begin with the Basics

As with any healthy eating plan, eating well while living with cancer starts with a basic evaluation of your current eating habits. Make one small healthy eating change and stick with that small change for one week. Then add another small change and keep up both small changes daily for a week. After two weeks, include another change and maintain all three changes for a week. Continue in this manner for several weeks to help ease the path into better eating without making the process feel overwhelming or difficult at a time when so many things are already overwhelming and difficult.

Natural Nutrition

When you are considering the small changes to make to your diet, aim to make alterations that keep as many natural, wholesome foods in your diet as possible. For example, choose to eat an apple or an orange instead of crackers for one of your daily snacks. Another easy change is to switch from unrefined white flour products like white bread for whole wheat bread or ditching sugary cereals for a whole grain cereal.

Cancer Considerations

While making these healthful changes will be beneficial to anyone seeking to eat more healthfully, there are a few additional considerations for cancer patients. As mentioned on The National Cancer Institute, many cancer patients need to ensure that they are eating plenty of protein and smart calories to help keep up strength and bolster the immune system. For example, select eggs for breakfast instead of cereal and have a low-fat yogurt with your lunch for added calcium, dairy and protein.

Junk the Junk

Junk food is often considered comfort food for many people but for those dealing with cancer issues, junk food offers little in terms of healthy eating or even much in the way of emotional comfort during a time of distress. Go through your refrigerator and cupboards and discard any junk food that provides no nutritional benefit and may be tempting at times when your willpower is weak.

In addition, ask a friend or a family member to help you make healthy meals that you can easily access when you are by yourself or not feeling well. Stock your kitchen up with healthy, nutritional meals and snacks so that you are not tempted to eat junk food and have easy access to good food at any time.

Liquid Lunch

The National Cancer Institute also advises that cancer patients speak with their doctor or nutritionist about liquid protein drinks or other liquids that will provide nutrition and calories even when solid food is not possible or appetizing. This is often the case with certain cancers such as lung cancer, mesothelioma or stomach cancer. Other soft foods, such as applesauce or mashed fruit may be an appealing option as well.

Remember that your appetite and tastes may change day to day. Stock up on a wide variety of healthy, delicious and nutritional foods that will provide you with good options no matter how you feel or what you want to eat. Ask your doctor for more information or nutritional tips.


Author Jillian Mckee!