Forward to Post-Chemo Diet Plan...need help...
 

Hi Tanya and all,

Need help on my post-chemo diet plan...

I see the flaxseed posts, and the ongoing question of is it good or not. Due to conflicting information, my thought is to avoid it and try to find an alternative.
If the issue is getting Omega 3, what about chia seed? Does it have the same concern of estrogen?

In another post I saw someone allude to giving up dairy. Is this part of the plan? Shall I give up eggs? And baking with plain yogurt? Smoothies with a cottage cheese base for protein? I've recently found a milk that has double the calcium and protein and half the fat, which I thought was a step in the right direction as I don't drink milk often, may as well get the calcium doubled.

As for the greens and vegetables, I'm onboard and have been looking at lists for the *alkaline* veggies and fruits as my foundation. I've made note of the "dirty dozen", and I'm looking in to juicing. Does anyone out there juice? If so, would love to chat about that.

Now, the trick will be to give up meats. Are there guidelines there? Is it entirely, or just moderation, or certain types of meats/seafood? I would like to enjoy a steak or a burger here and there. Meats on a regular basis will be more an issue for my husband, so I expect we will still be preparing meals with meats, I'll avoid or limit them, and in the meantime, up the salads to tempt him toward more greens and smaller portions of meat.

Thanks for thoughts!
Lizz

Re: Forward to Post-Chemo Diet Plan...need help...
 

Lizz,

I am currently reading a book "Anti Cancer a new way of life". It is great! It lets you know what to eat and why certain foods and spices are important. It was written by a M.D./PhD who is a cancer survivor himself (diagnosed with brain cancer at age 30). I love the book and find it really helpful

Re: Forward to Post-Chemo Diet Plan...need help...
 

Thank you -- I'll look for it! :)

Re: Forward to Post-Chemo Diet Plan...need help...
 

Hi Think Positive,
I looked at the reviews and it seems maybe similar to the Kris Carrr books and others I've been reading. Does he have any opinions on the questions above to what you've read so far? Thanks so much!
Lizz

Re: Forward to Post-Chemo Diet Plan...need help...
 

Hi Lizz,

Just my 2 cents - I was so glad that I could taste again after chemo that I wasn't worried about what I ate or didn't eat. Tasting coffee again was nirvana!

While it is important to have a healthy, well-balanced diet, it is also important not to deprive yourself of anything that you like (i.e., chocolate chip cookies :-)). You have to do what you feel comfortable doing.

The only thing I really avoid is soy based - because of the estrogen factor. I eat mostly fish and chicken but like you, I like a good burger or steak on occasion.

Chemo is the most difficult part of this journey; it's nice to start planning your life again, isn't it?

Best
Janis

Re: Forward to Post-Chemo Diet Plan...need help...
 

Janis, YES! It does feel good to start to look forward to post-chemo nutrition. Tomorrow is 5 of 6. As close as it is, it still feels like two more is still, two more. That is, I shopped today for the things I can tolerate post-chemo, which are decidedly few and decidedly not good for me, but it's what I can get down, which is better than nothing. (Nothing being my prefered choice in those several icky days.)
I'm an eat-on-the-run, non-planner typically. And since I have late hours, my husband usually makes dinner. That will have to change a bit. And I'll have to plan and make my lunches... Discipline! Yikes! lol.
Chocolate chip cookies will never be lost on me, and if they are, my husband buys the big tubs of chocolate chip cookie dough at Costco, which sits in the fridg to tempt me. I must report that I tried that dough recently and it tastes awful with chemo-taste buds! lol. I can say that the dark chocolate chips are yummy on chemo, and my chemo nutritionist says dark chocolate is a must. :) win win!
Thanks for the encouragement and words of wisdom.
Hugs,
Lizz.

Re: Forward to Post-Chemo Diet Plan...need help...
 

Lizz,
I'm sorry I have been slow to respond. I recommend a plant based diet to my patients. By this I don't mean it has to be vegetarian but the emphasis is on plant foods vs animal products. Good sources of lean protein are important whether they are plant-based (nuts, beans, legumes, etc) or animal (lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy). There is also an emphasis on good fats, like the monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, nuts, seeds) and omega-3s. Exercise is also key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You may want to check out a website hosted by Diana Dyer, RD and cancer survivor. Her book is a great resource also. http://www.cancerrd.com/

Best wishes,