Eating to Avoid Weight Loss

While undergoing treatment for breast cancer, eating is not always at the top of the priority list. Often fatigue, nausea and changes in taste can sabotage our plan to eat healthy foods. Although difficult, patients who keep up a good diet seem to have an easier time with the treatments and recovery.

In order to keep your heal faster, eating sufficient protein is very important. Your body needs protein to grow cells, heal tissue and maintain a healthy immune system. Sources of protein include: meat, fish, poultry, milk, nuts, dried beans, peas and lentils.

Another important, yet often overlooked aspect of the diet, can be drinking enough fluids. Every cell in your body needs water to function properly. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration, and cause fatigue, light-headedness and nausea, making the uncomfortable side-effects from chemo even worse.

Here are some ideas to help you keep your strength up and speed your recovery.

-  snacking is okay! If you can’t eat full meals, try eating smaller amounts more often throughout the day.

-  Try eating healthy snacks like vegetables or fruit, yogurt or nuts to give yourself an energy boost between meals.

-  Often nausea can be caused by too much acid and not enough in your stomach. Try nibbling soda crackers or whole grain toast often during the day to keep the nausea at bay.

-  If your mouth is too sore to eat, make yourself a great-tasting smoothie and add some yogurt, protein powder and flax seed to the mix for a drink that is packed with nutrients

-  Carry fluids with you wherever you go, in a bottle or thermos. Take small amounts throughout the day instead of trying to drink a full glass at once.

-  Drink fluids between meals. Drinking while you eat will make you feel full sooner and you will eat less.