Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/259111
spring 2014 | cancer fighters thrive 13 cf thrive. com of 60 to 80 grams per day). Good sources of lean protein include nuts, seeds, le- gumes, low-fat dairy, eggs, poultry, fsh, meat and soy. Dr. Bhatia notes that omega-3 fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids), or "healthy fats," are also important nutri- ents during treatment. "While diets are typically individualized to the patient, the importance of protein and healthy fat takes on a larger role during treatment, preventing excessive weight loss and mal- nutrition and improving energy," she says. Foods that include healthy fats include salmon, tuna, avocado and walnuts. A consultation with a registered dieti- tian can help you identify other nutrients and specifc foods that will be appropri- ate for your own nutritional needs as you progress through treatment and recovery. Everyone has unique needs and tolerates specifc foods diferently; be sure you are in close communication with your health care team throughout treatment to dis- cuss which foods are the best choice for you and how they might afect you. NUTRITION Snack Smart Taz Bhatia, MD, Founder and Director of the Atlanta Center for Ho- listic and Integrative Medicine, ofers the following suggestions for nutrient-dense snacks: • Oven-baked sweet potato fries (or mashed sweet potatoes) • Banana bread • Pumpkin bread • Cooked brown or black rice • Cooked quinoa • Protein powder (rice or pea protein powders, for example, to mix in smoothies and yogurt) • Protein bars (Kind Bars are Dr. Bhatia's favorite) • Nut butters (almond or cashew butter, for example) • Cooked lentils • Chicken soup (homemade, if possible, made with chicken on the bone) • Applesauce Pantry Essentials Kalli Castille MS, RD, CSO, LD, Director of Nutritional Support and Culinary at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, recommends the following quick and easy pantry and refrigerator essentials that will provide valuable nutrition—and require little prep time: • Nut butters • Yogurt • Eggs • Almonds • Walnuts • Brazil nuts • Sunfower seeds • Canned tuna or chicken • Canned or packaged salmon • Canned legumes (such as black beans, chickpeas and pinto beans) Taking some time in advance of treatment to stock up on foods that will provide healthful, easy meal and snacking options and proactively planning for your well-being is an empowering step that can help you avoid shopping and cooking when you may feel fatigued or otherwise unwell during treatment. cftSp#23vky.indd 13 2/3/14 11:12 PM