Cancer Nutrition Network for Texans
Junk Food Blues
Junk food - everybody eats it! Cancer patients are no exception. For some - it's a candy bar, others like a bag of chips, and just down the street there's the ever-present temptation of a double cheeseburger with fries. Truth is - some of the foods cooked at home probably aren't all that healthy either, especially if fried or cooked with lots of grease or butter.
Making healthy food choices is difficult enough, but even harder when all that sounds "good to eat" after a chemo session is that old standby junk food. It is very important for cancer patients to make healthier food choices because some of the therapy depletes vital nutrients. This doesn't mean giving up your favorite foods, just avoid too much indulgence in foods with lots of sugar and fats. And if you are really craving something fried, use lighter cooking sprays or reduced fat butter. Sugar-free foods are more widely available and taste better than ever. The main thing is to optimize your nourishment with foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
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INSTEAD OF |
EAT Baked Potato Whole Beans Bran Muffin Burger with Tomato and Lettuce Brown or Wild Rice Whole-grain Bread Reduced Fat or Fat-Free Turkey Broiled or Baked Chicken Mustard or Fat-Free Mayo Fruit Juice Crackers or Popped Corn Fruit Smoothie or Sherbet Steamed Vegetables Oat Meal or Unsweetened Cereal Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Corn Tortillas |