There’s so much to think about when you’re battling breast cancer.
From the moment you get the diagnosis, there are lots of decisions to make. Then pile on the appointments to keep track of. All the while, there’s still everyday life to deal with.
During this stressful time, you have to make sure that you’re eating right. A healthy diet will keep your body strong to fight this disease.
You have a lot on your plate already. When it comes to food for breast cancer patients, you shouldn’t have to worry and guess what’s good for you. These nutritional tips are crucial!
Load your plate with fruits and vegetables
A diet for cancer patients should include lots of fruits and vegetables. They are full of nutrients and antioxidants.
Any fruit or vegetable is great to eat. There are some that get extra credit when it comes to fighting cancer.
Blueberries are very nutrient dense. Cruciferous vegetables (including brussels sprouts, kale, and cauliflower) are another powerful food for breast cancer fighting.
Get your fill of fruits and veggies, but save room for some protein.
Eat lots of protein rich food for breast cancer fighting
If you’re going through chemotherapy, your white blood cell count will go down. This will increase your risk of infection.
Your best defense in avoiding that is to eat protein rich foods. Protein is fuel for your body. Just like gas is fuel for your car.
Keeping your tank full will mean your body will have the energy to keep your immune system strong.
Focus on proteins like chicken and fish. Limit the red meat you consume.
If you love a hamburger, try swapping it out for a lean turkey burger instead.
Swap your old favorite foods for nutrient-dense alternatives
When you have cancer, especially if you’re in chemo, you should make the most of every meal. Do your best not to waste a meal on empty calories. You need all the most nutritious food for breast cancer fighting.
For instance, mashed potatoes don’t have many nutrients. Instead of eating that with your dinner, you could try mashed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have a lot more nutrients.
If you want something sweet, instead of having a pack of fruity gummy bears, make a blueberry smoothie.
Avoid excess sugar
Cancer cells feed on sugar. The natural sugar you find in fruits is not the kind you need to avoid.
Refined, processed sugar is the bad guy. Cut out candy, soda, and alcohol. Even when alcohol doesn’t taste sweet, it still has lots of sugar.
Another issue with alcohol is that it dehydrates you. Keeping hydrated is essential! Switch out that cocktail for a club soda.
Try these tips, but don’t be too hard on yourself
A healthy diet is crucial when preventing, fighting, and recovering from breast cancer. However, keeping your stress levels in check is just as important.
Do the best you can. This is a time to be gentle and loving with yourself.
Are you battling cancer? This is a tough fight for your body as well as your mind. Check out this other blog “Small Steps Women Can Make Towards a Positive Mental Attitude.”
