MEAL PLANNING WHILE GETTING CANCER TREATMENT

During your cancer treatment, you’re bound to have good days and bad days. Some days you might feel normal, while other days you might feel tired and weak. When you feel good, take advantage and try to plan out your meals and snacks so that you can save yourself time and energy on your not-so-good days.

No one wants to think about making food or going to the grocery store when they don’t feel good. Here are some tips to make the most out of your best days and help you focus on resting on your bad days while still getting good nutrition: • On the days you’re feeling well, cook large portions of food that you can divide up and freeze. Then on days you’re not feeling so good you can simply defrost something. Soups, casseroles, and meats tend to freeze well. You could also make shakes or smoothies to freeze. • Try a freezer meal workshop when you’re feeling good. You can usually make up to 10 meals in just a couple hours. Ask a friend to join you if you need help or just want some company! Freezer meals help you save time and energy and are usually healthier and cheaper than the TV dinners you buy at the store. Check Hy-Vee stores for upcoming freezer meal workshops, or look in to • Try home freezer meal workshops through a representative from a company such as Wildtree. • Use a stool or chair while you’re prepping food so you can sit down if you’re tired. • Whenever possible, use kitchen gadgets to help you in the kitchen. Food choppers will save you lots of time and energy by keeping you from having to dice everything by hand with a knife. Other time and energy saving gadgets include electric mixers, electric can openers, and fruit/vegetable slicers. • Have your groceries delivered if you’re too tired to go shopping. Consider ordering groceries online or phoning or faxing in an order to a store that delivers. Hy-Vee delivers to most areas in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. • Ask for help taking your groceries to the car if delivery isn’t available. Most stores are happy to help if you ask, otherwise ask a friend or family member to shop with you and help load your groceries. At WalMart.com/grocery you can place an order online and choose a time to pick up your groceries and have them loaded into your car. • Buy in bulk. When you’re feeling good, go grocery shopping and buy several packages of foods that will stay fresh so you don’t have to go to the store as often. Some examples include: granola bars, canned goods, nutrition supplements, and individual packages of applesauce, fruit, pudding, gelatin, etc. • Check to see if you qualify for Meal on Wheels or other meal services. To learn about resources in your area visit with the social worker at your cancer treatment center. • Keep foods that are quick and easy to prepare handy, such as precut fruits and vegetables, canned fruits, string cheese, nuts, dried fruits, cans/packages of tuna, boiled eggs, cereal, crackers and peanut butter, etc. Having snacks between meals can help you eat enough calories and protein. • Consider drinking nutrition supplements if you’re having trouble eating enough. Popular supplements include Boost, Ensure, and Glucerna (for diabetics), but most store brand options have similar nutrition for a lower price. • Keep a basic grocery list on hand so it’s easy for someone else to go to the store for you if needed. • Keep a list of foods/recipes that appeal to you on your not-so-good days so your friends and family will know what you tolerate the best. For more tips on eating and meal planning, visit with the dietitian at your cancer treatment center.