• Drink liquids such as milk, Ensure,
Boost Plus ® , or Carnation Breakfast
Essentials ® a half hour before and
after meals.
• Try to add extra protein and calories
without increasing the amount of food
by adding cheese or eggs to many of
your food dishes.
• Avoid greasy foods and rich sauces.
Fats take a longer time to be digested.
• Take breaks during meals.
• Chew foods well.
• Avoid gas-forming foods such as
cabbage, onions, nuts, legumes, beer,
and carbonated drinks.
•
•
•
•
Weight Gain
•
Sometimes weight gain occurs during
cancer treatment. This may be the result
of certain medications, hormone therapy,
chemotherapy, or a change in eating or
exercise habits.
You may also retain water due to certain
medications. This is called edema, and it
is more common in ovarian, breast, and
prostate cancers.
If you notice weight gain, do not go on
a diet right away. Instead, talk to your
doctor or dietitian fi rst. He or she will
help advise you on what healthy steps
you can take.
Choose a colorful variety.
Avoid high-fat, high-calorie snacks
such as chips, cookies, candy, and
ice cream. Instead, snack on fruits,
vegetables, or fat-free popcorn.
Reduce added fats in your diet such
as salad dressing, margarine, butter,
mayonnaise, and gravy, or try using
low-fat varieties.
Prepare your food with low-fat
cooking techniques, such as broiling,
baking, and steaming. Use nonstick
pans while sautéing so no added fat is
needed.
Reduce the amount you eat of calorie-
dense baked goods, such as muffi ns,
cookies, cakes, and quick breads.
Regular exercise can help burn off the
extra calories that lead to weight gain.
Sore Mouth or Throat
Some cancer treatments can lead to
mouth sores, tender gums, or a sore
throat. Your doctor can give you
medication that will help ease your
mouth and throat pain. Certain foods
can irritate an already tender mouth and
make chewing and swallowing diffi cult.
To make eating less painful, carefully
choose what food you eat and take good
care of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Try soft foods:
To help manage weight gain:
• Milkshakes
• Bananas, applesauce, or other soft
fruit
• Cottage cheese or yogurt
• Mashed potatoes or noodles
• Macaroni and cheese
• Choose lean cuts of meat such as
chicken, turkey, fi sh, and lean beef.
• Choose low-fat dairy products such
as 1% milk, low-fat cottage cheese, or
low-fat yogurt.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
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