Serves: 5

If you combine the fuels of carbohydrate, protein and fat with vitamins and minerals, you build a balanced diet and the Food Guide Pyramid can show you the way.

The Food Guide Pyramid emphasizes variety in your food choices from five major food groups and shows you the proportions in which to eat them. Foods are grouped together based on the nutrients they supply and the number of servings you need daily.

For example, the Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta Group is at the base of the pyramid. It has the largest number of servings per day, compared to the other food groups. To eat well, start at the bottom of the pyramid and work your way up.

Following the Food Guide Pyramid can indeed aid in your healing. Remember the points below as you plan healthy meals for yourself and your family.

Fats, Oils & Sweets Group: Use sparingly
Milk, Yogurt & Cheese Group: 2-3 servings
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Dry Beans & Nuts Group: 2-3 servings
Vegetable Group: 3-5 servings
Fruit Group: 2-4 servings
Bread, Cereal, Rice & Pasta Group: 6-11 servings

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


1. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This five-a-day plan assures you're getting ample amounts of vitamins A and C, folic acid and potassium-all nutrients necessary for a healthy body. If eating fruits and vegetables is difficult, try sipping juices or eating applesauce or pureed fruits from the blender.

2. Get plenty of protein. Choose lean protein sources of meats (beef and pork), poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts. In addition to protein, these foods provide B vitamins, iron and magnesium. Dairy foods, such as milk and yogurt, also provide protein and much-needed calcium.

3. Be sure to get enough whole grains and fiber. Choose foods from the base of the pyramid, particularly whole-grain cereals and breads that are often fortified with nutrients such as B vitamins, iron and magnesium and that contain fiber to keep foods moving through your digestive tract.

4. Drink plenty of water and other liquids. Experts generally recommend eight to ten glasses of water and other liquids daily for healthy individuals. And that holds true for cancer survivors, too. Beverages such as milk, juices and herbal teas also count, but remember to quench your thirst with plenty of plain water as well.

5. Eat a variety of foods. Emphasize foods that come from plant sources, such as breads, cereals, grains, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, legumes and dry beans. But don't forget about protein and dairy foods. You need a variety of foods providing many nutrients to give your body all the benefits it requires.

6. Include foods loaded with nutrients that aid recovery. Because of your increased needs, be sure you get enough calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. Include milk, yogurt and cheese for calcium. Eat protein foods (see number 2 above) and whole grains (see number 3 above) for iron and magnesium. Eat fruits and vegetables for potassium (see number 1 above).


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