Now not so surprising is that it is easier said than done. Food likes and dislikes change, food tastes different, smells can be off putting and some things just want to make you gag. I heard a nutritionist once say, don't eat your favorite things at treatment. That just blew my mind because I wanted what I liked but what I found out is that it tasted different and even 9 years later, some of my favorites are at the bottom of my list as I just don't want to eat it now. Carbs were an easy given but all those wonderful carbs did not provide the adequate nutrition and I needed and definitely lacked protein and fruits and vegetables that were a necessity.
So what do you do to help yourself or your patient to meet those needs? Provide color, in all- make the plate look appealing. Food has to invite you in not remind you of a one color palate with no flavor, substance, or variety of texture. Protein comes in many forms and explore what you will eat. Provide diversity, something that they haven't tried before may actually appeal now. Quinoa is a great source of protein and is just now coming into its own and more people are using it. I say, get the most bang for your buck. When my kids were growing up, I would cut my carrots and sweet potatoes the same so that when I put them in soups, etc. that they didn't even know there was a difference. Even pureed sweet potatoes can make a great base for a soup.
Limit Sugar, processed meats and refined carbs(white pasta, white flour, white rice). Trans fats should be brought down too. That would be those items made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. READ LABELS. Remember what is ever first on the box has the greatest portion in the box. Cereal is known to be predominately sugar in various forms: sucrose, dextrose, fructose, corn syrup.
SMALL portions. I can't stress that one enough. Make enough for one meal. To stare into the refrigerator looking for something to eat can be discouraging especially when you look in and see these various large casseroles that people have made for you and you hate to waste it but you know it is like going Christmas shopping, there is just so much there, you don't even want to start. You may find you don't even have an appetite or that you patient doesn't. Small frequent food provided with some variety can be a huge help. This week a certain food item may taste great, next week not so much! This why small is better. Unfortunately, Sam's Club may not be the best place to shop when going through this as you probably don't want or need the volume of food that you need to provide your food and in the increments that Sam's sells it in.
My suggestion at this point is now is the time to get support either by a nutritionist or four good sources to research are:
National Cancer Institute
American Institute for Cancer Research
The American Cancer Society
Livestrong
These are just a few but by all means, it can be overwhelming and I would suggest help in finding out how you can handle the nutrition aspect of treatment so that we are not lo