Food

I learned on this journey that emotional feelings during cancer can affect my appetite and cause eating problems. Appetite loss, smell changes, weight loss or weight gain are just a few of them. People battling cancer also have different diet needs. For most people, a healthy diet includes lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grain breads/cereals; a modest amount of meats/dairy products; and small amount of fats. When I was battling cancer, doctors wanted me to keep my strength up to manage the side effects of cancer treatment. This also meant adding extra protein and calories to my meals. Sometimes, I experienced an appetite loss or nausea because of concerns of fighting cancer and treatment. However, staying the course and doing as the doctors ordered, the process began a lot easier to bear. Eating was challenging but also what to eat played a part of that challenge. I didn't want to eat out, didn't want certain meats or foods, and was terrified to eat sweets (because of the headaches it caused). I began looking up recipes for foods I actually could eat and tolerate. It was in that decision that I began cooking meals that were suitable to my needs and my comfort in this journey. Although I'm on the other side of this journey, friends and loved ones still have difficulty accepting the changes I have made, but I continue to do what works best for me. Everyone's needs are different, in their journey and in order to make the most of my situation, I began to make healthier meals that would not only make me smile but full at the same time. :)