People with cancer often need to follow a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain and modest amounts of dairy and red meat. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, you need to keep your strengths up to deal with the side effects of your treatment. This can be quite a challenge, especially if you didn’t have a healthy-eating lifestyle before you were diagnosed with cancer. Here are some healthy eating tips that all cancer sufferers should know about.
Eat lots of proteins
Your healthy eating diet should include extra calories and protein as well as eggs and low-fat milk. If you cannot chew or swallow properly, add a little gravy to your food to soften it up. It would be better to eat low-fibre foods in order to prevent diarrhoea.
Starchy food
Starchy foods such as rice, cereals and pasta are great for providing you with carbohydrates, which are converted into energy. In fact, starchy foods should make up about half of the food you consume. Rice, pasta and wholegrain cereals are high in nutrients, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. However, if you suffer from constipation or diarrhoea, it is best to consume these foods no more than three times a week.
Aside from a healthy diet, you should also think about a comprehensive cancer insurance plan that pays towards your medical expenses. This type of policy can be used in a variety of ways to defer the cost of treatment. To decide which plan is the most suitable for your needs, you may first assess the overall cost to benefit ratio. It is worth discussing this with a reputable insurer in order to determine which policy is most suitable for you.
Eat when you can
While you are undergoing treatment, it is important to eat plenty of proteins and calories to help your body rebuild the tissues that are damaged by cancer treatment. Most people simply don’t have any appetite in the morning so they end up skipping breakfast. Although this is not healthy, as a cancer patient, you may eat only when you have the biggest appetite. If you cannot eat breakfast, try drinking liquid meal replacements or fresh fruit juice followed by a good portion of fish and vegetables for lunch. You should stick with foods that you can eat more of but don’t forget that your body needs extra protein and calories for energy.
Don’t worry if you cannot eat all day or fill up your plate with large portions of fruit and veg. Talk to your dietician for more ideas on healthy foods that you can include in your diet. Remember to drink plenty of water on days when you cannot eat much. An increased intake of fluids (between 6 to 10 glasses a day) will prevent dehydration and make you feel fuller for longer.
Stay away from sugary foods
Most people in UK consume far too much sugary foods and drinks. Not only can these contribute to tooth decay, but you will also gain weight, so instead of sugar, opt for honey and maple syrup as healthier alternatives.