There are plenty of mixed messages about nutrition these days, but one thing is for certain: Being properly nourished is something one should always strive for. Healthy eating emphasizes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, moderate amounts of low fat meat and dairy products and decreasing fat, sugar, alcohol, and salt.  During cancer treatment however, eating well may become a challenge if you are experiencing side effects.  For example, if you have swallowing difficulties through treatment, you may need to instead focus on higher calorie, higher protein soft foods to meet your nutritional needs.  As a result, diet suggestions for you may be quite different from the usual recommendations for healthy eating.

Conflicting nutrition information during cancer treatment can lead to confusion as well.  Registered Dietitians are your best source of nutrition information and are available to help you to eat well through your cancer treatments.

The nutrition information in this section is organized into two main categories:

NUTRITION FOR CANCER PREVENTION

There is increasing evidence that what we eat can reduce our lifetime risk of developing cancer. In fact, scientists estimate that 30% – 40% of cancers worldwide are preventable by individuals making dietary and lifestyle changes.
The area of diet and cancer prevention research is a dynamic one, producing many new theories and findings.  From the current diet and cancer prevention research, scientists are able to make sound public recommendations about ways to reduce cancer risk.
These guidelines, known as Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating, are encouraged to promote a healthy lifestyle and to reduce the risk of developing some cancers as well as other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

The emphasis here is on "enjoy" and "variety".  Keep an open mind about trying a variety of foods.

Emphasize doesn't mean "only have", but many Canadians eat too few fruits and vegetables.  When choosing breads and cereals, whole grain is your best bet.  This group also includes rice and enriched pasta.  Try to make grains, fruits and vegetables a part of every meal.

We all need a certain amount of fat, but it's very easy to over-do it.  To prepare foods without adding fat, baking, broiling, teflon-coated pans and cooking sprays are helpful.  Also cut down on the amount of fat in a recipe and try using fat-reduced spreads and dressings.  Keep your milk choices lower fat and meat lean.  Be aware of the sneaky little fat attacks that come from those 'extras' in our diet ... a little heavy on the spread here, rich desserts, a little deep-fried snack there - it all adds up.

Physicial activity doesn't have to be strenuous exercise like lifting weights, try taking a walk or climbing stairs.  There's a whole range of weights for a healthy body, but being too thin or too heavy can put you at risk for health problems.  Remember the key to a healthy body weight is a combination of enjoyable regular physical activity, healthy eating and feeling good about yourself.

Add flavour to your meals with spices and herbs instead of salt.  Drink less alcohol, try wine spritzers and lite beers -- or "mocktails" (cocktails without the alcohol).  Try beverages such as decaffeinated coffee or flavoured teas.