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Common questions asked
Common questions asked by people living with cancer - taken from Macmillan Cancer Support's 'Eating Well' leaflet.
How do I know if I am eating well?
A diet that is high in energy and protein is healthy for someone who has lost weight or who has a small appetite. If you are making the most of your appetite by eating as much protein and energy as you are able to, then you are eating well.
How can I make the most of my appetite?
Think about the sort of foods you eat, rather than the amount that you eat. Try to thinka bout the foods you can eat that contain energy and protein. It may be possible to increase the amount of these in your diet without increasing the size of your meals.
Are there other ways I can make the most of my appetite?
You could consider fortifying your diet by increasing the nutrients in your food, without increasing the amount you eat. You can fortify food in two ways:
- You can add foods that contain a lot of protein or energy to others. For example, add two tablespoons of double cream to a bowl of soup. Or melt butter on vegetables to add energy. Another idea is to add four tablespoons of powdered milk to a pint of full cream milk before using it in puddings or sauces.
- You can add commercially prepared supplements to food or drink. (Supplements are special powders or liquids that contain a lot of protein, energy or both). For example, add neutal Build-Up or Complan to gravy, sauces and soups. Alternatively, you can add two to four teaspoons of a high energy, such as Maxijul or Polycal, to drinks.
How can I boost my energy?
High energy foods include rice, pasta, bread, biscuits and anything containing sugar or fat. You may find it helpful to have a high energy snack before an activity. i.e a square of chocolate or a drink of pure fruit juice.
What foods will help me keep my muscle strength?
Foods that can help you contain protein: cheese, fish, chicken, eggs, milk, yoghurt, nuts and minced meat are all sources of protein that are easy to eat.
Are there special diets for people with cancer?
You could decide to take a special diet to help you feel good. However, there is no scientific evidence that organic food or any special cancer diet can prevent the spread of cancer or prolong life.
Which foods contain protein and are easy to eat?
Fish, eggs, baked beans, lentils, milk, yoghurt, cheese.
What foods contain energy and are easy to eat?
Cakes, sweets, chocolate, bananas, fresh fruit juice, rice, pasta.
Are there any foods that contain both protein and energy?
Cereals with milk (ie. Weetabix), scrambled egg with buttered toast, milk puddings, milkshakes, smoothies.