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
14 cancer fighters thrive | spring 2014 cf thrive. com NUTRITION Step 3: STOCK UP AND PLAN AHEAD TO ENSURE GOOD NUTRITION Taking some time in advance of treat- ment to stock up on foods that will pro- vide 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. As you plan, discuss your needs with your health care team and seek their feedback about choices that will be most benefcial and which may not be as well tolerated. If you do not feel up to the planning and the shopping yourself, consider en- gaging friends and family to help. Dr. Bhatia notes that "the goal for every patient is to make eating accessible and easy. Dividing chores among a family, including meal planning, grocery shop- ping, food preparation and companion- ship during meals, guarantees a better journey for the patient." Castille agrees that meal planning and prep provide a great opportunity for friends and family to ofer support, not- ing that "so many people are willing to help and would like to. Having a friend do the grocery shopping, or setting up a din- ner rotation for the family, is a great way to include them—and most are happy to accept lists or recipes to prepare that are recommended by your care team." Whether friends and family step in to help ensure that you are getting healthful foods or if you take on the responsibil- ity yourself, be aware that there are some considerations related to food safety and preparation that patients undergoing cancer treatment should be especially aware of to avoid infection and get the most from their meals. "One of the most important things to keep in mind for any patient is food safety," Castille says. "Re- member to cook proteins to the proper temperature (cook chicken to 165 degrees F, for example) and remember to watch for cross-contamination of food surfaces such as countertops, cutting boards and knives." Dr. Bhatia adds that certain methods of food preparation are better than oth- ers: "Food preparation methods that are most benefcial during cancer treatment are light steaming or sautéing," she says, "and raw, grilled and fried foods should be avoided during cancer treatment." CONCLUSION Knowing that you are aware of the role of nutrition and have stocked your pantry and fridge with healthful foods is a pro- active step you can take to help maintain health during treatment. Ask your care team for insight into your unique nutri- tional needs, and don't be afraid to reach out to friends and family to help you stock up and stay strong. As you plan, discuss your needs with your health care team and seek their feedback about choices that will be most benefcial and which may not be as well tolerated. cftSp#23vky.indd 14 2/3/14 11:12 PM