Nutrition
A healthy diet is important when you’re well, and can be even more so during and after cancer treatment. The proper balance of protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and “good” fats help provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs for optimal function—and fighting or recovering from cancer. Your daily menu may be at the bottom of your list when juggling doctor’s appointments, treatments, work, and your day-to-day life, but a few simple steps can make healthy eating a lot easier.
Plan ahead
Ordering in or driving-through may spare you time and effort, but preparing your own meals (and knowing exactly what’s in them) is a healthier option. A little extra work on the front-end can take the guesswork out of what’s for dinner (and breakfast and lunch), and ensure you make wise nutrition choices. Consider these pointers from the American Cancer Society1:
- Cook in advance and freeze food in meal-sized portions
- Stock your pantry and freezer so you don’t have to shop as often
- Enlist family and friends to help with food shopping or cooking
- Be sure to have healthy foods on hand that you know you can eat if you’re not feeling well
- Ask your doctor or nutritionist for dietary suggestions in the event you experience nausea, weight loss, or constipation before starting treatment
The benefits of a healthy diet
It’s never too late to commit to a healthy diet, and being diagnosed with cancer can be an effective catalyst that helps you get on the right track. Establishing healthy eating habits during treatment and sticking with them can help you feel healthier and better than ever for years to come.
It’s never too late to commit to a healthy diet, and being diagnosed with cancer can be an effective catalyst that helps you get on the right track. Establishing healthy eating habits during treatment and sticking with them can help you feel healthier and better than ever for years to come.
Tips for optimizing antioxidant intake…
Try to get as many antioxidants from your diet as possible. These plant-based compounds help neutralize free radicals (destructive molecules) and prevent them from damaging healthy cells. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to increase your antioxidant intake. Taking large doses of antioxidant supplements is generally not recommended while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, and be sure to speak to your doctor before starting to take any supplements.
1 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/coping/nutrition/before-treatment-begins.html
Reference:
La Roche-Posay created this article with materials sourced from the American Cancer Society, a trusted leader in cancer-related information and resources. La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide cancer support resources and funding to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program.
Try to get as many antioxidants from your diet as possible. These plant-based compounds help neutralize free radicals (destructive molecules) and prevent them from damaging healthy cells. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to increase your antioxidant intake. Taking large doses of antioxidant supplements is generally not recommended while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, and be sure to speak to your doctor before starting to take any supplements.
1 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/coping/nutrition/before-treatment-begins.html
Reference:
La Roche-Posay created this article with materials sourced from the American Cancer Society, a trusted leader in cancer-related information and resources. La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide cancer support resources and funding to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program.