Tastes change during cancer treatment: Try more vegetables
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-and-vegetables/MY02083
- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
Latest entries
- Preventive mastectomy — a personal choice
May 25, 2013
- Share your story about living with cancer
May 18, 2013
- Gratitude for a mother's care and love
May 10, 2013
- Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day
May 3, 2013
- Practice mindful eating during, after cancer treatment
April 27, 2013
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Living with cancer blog
-
April 21, 2012
Tastes change during cancer treatment: Try more vegetables
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
I love spring weather! Warmer, longer days, flowers blooming, green leaves on the trees, and fresh, seasonal vegetables in the markets.
A few weeks back, we talked about the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fresh vegetables. This spring, find new ways to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet; and make the changes last all year.
One of my favorite ways is to make a salad. Include crisp, leafy greens, asparagus (steamed, grilled or roasted), spring onions, and radishes. Add protein by including white beans, garbanzo beans or lean roasted turkey. Finish the salad with a simple dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar, and you have a tasty creation.
During and after treatment for cancer; your tastes can change. I've heard from many people that they prefer vegetables over meat especially during this time. A nice protein option is to make an omelet or frittata. There are many recipes available for this idea.
I especially like to include sautéed onions, zucchini and asparagus or broccoli with 2-3 eggs (or simply egg whites) along with new potatoes with the skins still on them. Use olive oil in the pan to sauté your vegetables and this will keep the fat content healthy. If you love toast along with this dish, choose whole grain bread.
For dessert, mix vanilla or plain yogurt with fresh strawberries, blueberries or bananas. Add a few nuts on the top, or a little granola and your sweet tooth will be satisfied.
I know many of you have other great thoughts for incorporating healthy vegetables and fruits into our diets. Share your ideas and suggestions on the blog.
Follow me on Twitter at @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer.
11 comments posted
Share on:
11 comments posted