It is already hard enough for your body to manage living with cancer. This condition causes the body enormous amounts of effort to simply digest food. During this time, cancer patients can manage their low appetite by incorporating protein rich foods in their diet.

Let us keep in mind that sometimes, in cases of advanced cancer, eating protein rich diets may or may not affect the end result of the illness or health concern but it can help cancer patients:

·         Gain muscle

·         Improve blood clotting

·         Fight off any infection

·         Enhance cell growth

·         Feel strengthened 

·         Builds immunity

Now, what is healthy doesn’t necessarily have to be boring!

Let us look at some interesting ways in which you can stay healthy while keeping your taste buds tingling:

1 1.    Craving pizza? 

There is no doubt that pizza is an all weather food yet it has little to no nutritional benefit.

It is here that oats flour, a grain rich in fibres and Vitamin E, can be a superb substitute for a refined flour pizza base. With just about 1 cup of oats flour, a fresh homemade tomato sauce and a light sprinkle of cheese along with tons of vegetables, a nutritious and gluten free pizza is ready. 

2.            One pot soups

Soups are comforting. A bowl of homemade soup can be a fantastic way to get some nutrient rich vegetables in your belly. Add beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and mushrooms alongside lentils in a big crock pot, to get a protein rich element in your soup. Spices are a great way to enhance the flavor of any dish. Spices like turmeric, pepper, cumin and bay leaves have superb anti-inflammatory properties to build immunity in cancer patients. This can be a great vegan, dairy free option for patients with dietary restrictions or food intolerances.

3.            Buckwheat Noodles

Can noodles be healthy? We say why not! Substitute your average maida noodles with buckwheat noodles made from Kuttu Atta. Kuttu Atta is colloquially known as Ragi flour and this type of atta is widely used across the South Asian subcontinent thus making it widely available in any local grocery store near you. Add these buckwheat noodles to a wok with lots of vegetables and spices and you have yourself a dish packed with protein and nutrients. 

It is important to talk about the individual caloric and protein requirements with your dietician. Keep in mind that in some cases, such as advanced cancer, eating may not affect the outcome of your illness or its treatment. The Nutrition and Dietetics department at Sohana Hospital is committed to provide the highest quality nutritional care to its patients and work effortlessly to push the envelope in this branch of healthcare and lifestyle.