IS there any better smell than turkey cooking as it travels though the house? It is important to talk to your nurse or dietitian about what foods to eat and bring your list of questions to your appointment with you likes and dislikes of food and recipes. During treatment it is especially important to eat plenty of protein and calories when you can and to eat when you have the biggest appetite. I found for me during treatment that I did much better with small frequent meals rather than try to wolf down a whole meal three times a day. IT became like Christmas shopping when you walk into the store and you can't even see anything as there is just too much out on display. That is what I saw when I would sit down to eat with everyone and so much food that I could all but shut down and not want anything to eat. The other things is to get the most bang for your buck. You don't want to eat just empty calories either in food or drink but what you do eat to give you the best nutrition you can take at that time. I always figure whatever I eat, pick the best for the beginning so that I am putting the right amount of fuel and enough of it into my body. Now with the holidays fast approaching, it is far easier to eat those things that are not power packed but possibly fat and sugar packed. I look at small servings that I can handle and if I want more, I go back for more and drinking plenyt of fluids will help your body. Now I didn't say sugar coated, high caffeine drinks and if fruit juice is too strong or sweet, cut it with half of it being water added. Again during treatment it is important to scrub all fruits and vegetables and even the outside of those items that may have a rough surface before you cut into it like a melon. Always put leftovers into the refrigerator as soon as you are done eating. I recall growing up that food could sit out quite awhile till all parties had left and now I try to get them into the refrigerator as soon as possible. Check out that old refrig too and get rid of old and outdated foods just as you should your cupboards including cake mixes, canned goods and more. Finally, don't be surprised if your taste buds change during treatment. I found that there are some things I still don't eat since treatment as the taste is not the same. I am also not one for a buffet and especially the salad bar type that has the cover over it that you can neither reach over or see through. I also watch closely for experiration dates on drinks as well. The gallons of milk that we used to go through in a day has dwindled with the kids growing up and moving out and often I can get to the end of the week and have to see if I need to pitch the milk or not. (I have become lactose intolerant). Milk is great to cook with and add into but I no longer drink milk but get my milk in various other ways. It may be necessary to have food cooked when you are not in the house so that the smell does not offend you and then use it later. Marinating food can help improve flavor and I know for a fact I like foods with flavor, not necessarily hot spicey, just lots of flavor. There are alot of ways to help improve your eating and don't be afraid to ask. You may find new things you have never tried before and it is ok to start small. Just remember get the most bang for your buck and enjoy the coming holidays. Making it a great day! S
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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