Serves: 5

With this emphasis on the increased need for certain nutrients, what needs to change in your diet, if anything, isn't always clear. Less clear is how to handle family meals and what you do with grocery shopping when battling cancer With this emphasis on the increased need for certain nutrients, what needs to change in your diet, if anything, isn't. Read on to learn more hints to help you and your family cope.

SHOULD I MAKE CHANGES TO MY EATING ROUTINE?
Much of the answer to this question depends upon your current eating habits, the particular kind of cancer you have, the treatment you are undergoing, any side effects you experience and the foods your body will tolerate. It is best to discuss any potential dietary changes with your dietitian and doctor.

There will be times when you won't be hungry, so eat whenever you can, even if it's only a small portion. If you crave a specific food, go ahead and eat it. If a regular-sized meal looks unmanageable, try eating several smaller meals or snacks throughout the day. Avoid eating just before bedtime because lying down after eating may cause nausea. A short brisk walk after dinner may help digest your food.

HOW DO I COOK FOR MY FAMILY?
If cooking for your family has always been part of your daily life and you enjoy it, by all means continue. Simply plan what to eat, allowing for any dietary limitations. Then apply the sound nutrition advice from the previous pages and follow the simple tips below to ensure success:

Plan menus together. Though patience and planning are needed to choose meals that satisfy everyone, family members want to feel they are doing something to help. And greater success is achieved when tasks are shared among the family.

Save your strength. Overcoming fatigue can be a challenge. Focus on the tasks you enjoy and those that are manageable for your level of energy. Take advantage of offers to help from friends and family members by allowing them to assist in food preparation and cooking, especially when you're feeling tired.

Season foods to your tastes. Separate a serving or two after cooking each dish. Then season, spice or salt the smaller serving to your tastes! By adding extra flavor this way, one recipe can appeal to all members of the family.

Enjoy eating. Just talking with and enjoying your family or friends in a pleasant environment can lead to successful eating. You don't have to be elaborate. Set the table, adjust the lights, play soft music, light candles or light a fire. Then sit back, eat and enjoy each other's company.

Give up the cleanup. When the meal is over, let family or friends clear the table and clean the kitchen. That way, everyone plays a vital role and is contributing to the workload. Use your time to catch up on a little rest.


HOW DO I GO GROCERY SHOPPING?
Shopping when you have cancer can be difficult, particularly when you don't feel well, you're overcome by fatigue or food sights and smells nauseate you. Take advantage of grocery stores and Web sites that offer home delivery. Or have family and friends pick up several items for you while they are doing their own shopping.

If you must go to the grocery store yourself, try these tips to make the most of your shopping trips:

Shop in the morning or at times when you feel less fatigued.

Make a detailed grocery list so you aren't tempted to binge shop. Visit smaller grocery stores and park close to the building.

Visit only those aisles of the store that are necessary. Do the rest in a separate trip.

Purchase prepared foods to ease food preparation. Bagged salads, baby-cut carrots, deli items and meat that's boned and trimmed of fat can make things easier for you at home.

Buy convenience foods that stay fresh for a long time. Pastas, rice mixes, canned tuna and soups keep on the shelf for a long time.

Shop at farmers' markets whenever you can. Open air promotes less nausea than closed-in grocery stores.

And when you do have assistance in the grocery store, try these suggestions:

Buy large quantities of foods to decrease the number of shopping trips.

Purchase lots of produce. Fresh fruits and veggies are heavy to carry, but they are loaded with vitamins A and C, folic acid and other important nutrients.

Minimize extra walking by asking family members to come along with you. They can run back for items you missed.

Delegate carrying the grocery bags and putting the food away to an able-bodied family member or friend.

HOW CAN I STOCK MY KITCHEN AND PANTRY?
When you return home from grocery shopping, store your foods where they stay fresh the longest. To minimize smells and flavor changes, throw out questionable food items right away and keep packaged fresh foods only to their expiration date. Because food flavors and smells often become stronger over time, you may want to turn over this freshness duty to another household member, especially if you're experiencing nausea.

To make cooking for the family easier for you:

Keep your kitchen well stocked.

Organize your refrigerator and freezer so you and others can find foods easily.

Ask family and friends to prepare meals.

Use simple recipes that can be prepared quickly and easily. Many easy recipes are contained in this cookbook.

Enlist help from others to rinse and cut fresh fruits and vegetables for easier eating.

Prepare only foods that you and your family enjoy.

Break up food preparation tasks, and rest when you can. Start some of the preparation early in the day when you have more energy.

Use timesaving kitchen appliances such as a slow cooker, rice cooker, food processor and microwave oven that keep food odors contained.

Cherish leftovers. Cook more food than you need for your immediate meal, and refrigerate or freeze unused portions for another time.

Plan and prepare foods ahead of treatment times. If food preparation is difficult for you during chemotherapy, for example, rely on foods that have been cooked ahead of time and frozen, or ask friends or family to help out. Some of the recipes in this cookbook can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.

Keep foods covered and sealed and take out the trash at the end of each meal to reduce lingering food odors.

HOW CAN I EAT OUT?
Eating out is a great alternative to cooking. It can offer even more food choices than eating at home and eliminates the preparation and cleanup.

To ease your concerns, ask these important questions at the restaurant or phone ahead:

How is the food prepared?
Limit fat and, therefore, the amount of fried or greasy foods you eat. High-fat choices can induce nausea and are difficult to digest. The best choices include broiled and grilled meals, because the flavor of the food is
preserved without adding extra fat.

What ingredients are used in a particular dish?
Explain what you cannot eat, because a dish may contain hidden ingredients such as onions, garlic, or spices that could cause discomfort. Knowing ahead of time about problem menu items and avoiding them is better than sending dishes back to the kitchen.

How hot or spicy are the foods?
Some cancer patients can tolerate highly spiced foods and even prefer them, and others desire mild foods. Spice level, sweetness and saltiness can often be tailored to your taste. Just let your server know what you need.

Can I order a small portion?
Try to order à la carte items or lunch-size portions if possible. Select different kinds of foods and flavors when available. New food adventures often lead to greater success in finding foods that you enjoy.

Am I familiar with this restaurant or cuisine?
Choose restaurants you know, if that eases your concerns. Or try new ones that sound appealing to you. Either way, request seating that's far away from the kitchen to avoid cooking smells that may cause nausea.

Is outdoor seating an option?
Choose outside or patio dining whenever you can, weather permitting. Nature is known to be beneficial in the healing process, so be sure to indulge. Fresh air can help settle your stomach, and pleasant surroundings can enhance your overall eating experience.

Can I have the recipe?
When you find a restaurant dish that appeals to you, request the recipe. Then try it at home and share the new food with family and friends. If others enjoy it, too, add it to your meal planning.

Will I be rushed through the meal?
Getting ready and dining out does require some extra effort. If eating has been taking longer because of discomfort and you're concerned about feeling rushed, call ahead to be sure you can have a leisurely meal. Request a table that isn't on a tight reservation schedule so you can take your time eating and enjoy yourself.

Can I order dessert first?
Yes, indeed! You're dealing with enough stresses related to cancer right now, and you certainly deserve a break. When eating out, choose to dine at a restaurant with a sense of humor and fun. If it's a stuffy place, you may want to select another restaurant that's more comfortable for you. And remember, dessert can offer many calories per bite, so indulge!

AFTER-SURGERY SUGGESTIONS
You or your loved one has just experienced cancer surgery, and you probably feel tired and concerned about how you will cope. Read on for the most important things to do after cancer surgery:

1. Ask your doctor to explain the surgery that was performed. Did surgery involve the removal of tissue or organs? Were part of your intestines or colon removed, and will that affect the foods you can or cannot eat?

2. Ask if you need to be on a special diet and about any foods you may or may not be permitted to eat. Find out how long the dietary restrictions will last, either short term or long term.

3. Ask if you need specific vitamins or mineral supplements. Some nutrients must be supplemented after intestinal surgery, and others may help healing.

4. Eat six small meals per day. Small meals, rather than three large meals, are more easily tolerated after surgery. Try to eat half the normal serving size you ate before surgery. See Easy Menus, page 234.

5. Regular bowel movements are important after surgery to help get your system moving again. Talk to your doctor if you have not had a bowel movement within a 24-hour period after surgery.

6. Protein foods are needed for restoring strength and building new cells. Include lots of protein-rich foods (found on page 15) in your diet every day.

7. Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium are essential healing vitamins and minerals. Make sure that you eat foods that contain these nutrients. For a list of good food sources, turn to page 00.

8. Start walking or doing light activity or simple exercises as soon as you feel up to it. Movement will help restore your appetite and the regularity your healing body needs. Before starting exercise, consult your doctor regarding any restrictions.

From "Betty Crocker's Living with Cancer Cookbook." Text Copyright 2005 General Mills, Inc. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

More Recipes from the Betty Crocker's Living With Cancer Cookbook Cookbook:
01-Having A Diagnosis Of Cancer
02-Bring Back the Joy of Eating
03-Be Prepared for a Roller Coaster Ride Coaster Ride
04-So What Is Cancer All About, Anyway?
05-Take Control of Your Life
06-Eat Well and Enjoy Food
07-The Importance of Sound Nutrition
08-Enjoy Cooking, Shopping and Eating
09-Special Diets
10-Foods for Special Diets
11-Mind-Body-Spirit Connection to Healing
12-Beyond Treatment
13-The ABCs for a Healthy Lifestyle
14-Onward and Upward
A-Key to Common Side Effects
B-Foods Rich in Essential Nutrients
C-Food Guide Pyramid
D-Radiation (Radiotherapy) Remedies