Good nutrition is important for good health through cancer treatment and beyond. Many women gain weight during their treatment which brings an increased risk of recurrence as well as increasing risk for developing diabetes and  heart disease. Set goals for yourself to eat right during treatment, focusing on the tips that can help you heal, fight infection, cope with side effects, and maintain bone and heart health.

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Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Staying within a healthy weight range has been shown to boost survival, not to mention decreasing risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
• If you are overweight, even a loss of 5lbs can make a big difference in your overall health. Watch for medication related appetite surges that can cause your weight to slowly increase.

Make healthy diet changes

• Eat at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables are packed full of nutrients including antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, carotenes, fiber. The more colorful your plate, the better.
• Reduce the fat in your diet. Calories from fat should not exceed 25% of total calories. Choose healthy oils like canola or olive oil for heart health and avoid saturated and trans fats.
• Add fiber. Fiber helps to keep your GI function regular and increasing fiber intake reduces risk of cancers and heart disease. Choose a mix of soluble (like whole grains) and in-soluble fibers (like fruit pectin).
• Cut sweets. Too many sweets can cause increased blood sugar and insulin levels. Instead choose healthier forms of carbohydrate like brown rice, whole grain pasta, and bran cereals.
• Cut processed foods. Whole natural foods are best and have the purest forms of the nutrients your body needs. Processed foods are also high in sodium which can caused increased blood pressure.
• Drink at least 8 cups of liquids per day. Of course water is best but juices and teas are good too.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or limit to one drink per day which equals 4-5 oz of wine or 12oz beer.

Incorporate "super" foods into diet

• Soy foods are very beneficial. Use natural soy food products like miso or tofu. Stay away from pill forms of soy supplements containing isoflavones or processed soy foods like soy hot dogs.
• Flaxseed is packed full of the beneficial omega 3 fatty acids. Take a Tbsp of flaxseed a day by grinding in a coffee grinder and sprinkle in yogurt or oatmeal. Store ground seeds in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Green tea is a power packed beverage containing antioxidants.
• Eat one-half to one cup of cruciferous vegetables every day. This includes broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale and watercress.

Possible beneficial supplements to consider

• Vitamin D: Get at least 1000 I.U. per day from sources like a Vitamin D supplement, calcium paired with vitamin D, and fortified low fat milk. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is the best form of vitamin D.
• Calcium supplement of 1,200mg calcium per day. Calcium citrate is the most absorbable form of calcium. Divide the doses so that you consume no more than 500-600mg at a time.

To schedule an appointment with a dietitian call 303.318.1300