Finding a healthy balance and enjoying favorite holiday foods can be a challenge when you are going through cancer treatment. You may feel very tired, and just the thought of holiday parties can make you more exhausted. You also may be struggling with a loss of appetite and taste changes.
Syeda Farid, MS, RD, LDN, registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition (CSO) at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital, highlights some best practices for navigating holiday eating that she shares with patients.
- Be aware of food safety. Food safety is a major concern as cancer patients are often immunocompromised, so Farid advises her patients to be very careful and avoid things like eggs, raw fish and undercooked meats, and also to be cognizant of food buffets as prepared food often sits out for a long time. Remind family and friends that it’s important to be safe when preparing and handling food, especially when we gather at holidays, she added.
- Focus on your favorites. “I suggest that my patients choose a small plate and take small amounts of the foods they are really craving,” said Farid. “Sometimes they feel obligated to try everything, but it’s important they ignore what others are doing or pressure from people pushing them to eat more.”
- Find a balance. Patients going through cancer treatment should focus on eating nutrient-dense food, explained Farid. “We don’t want them to get full nibbling on cookies. But we also don’t want them to feel deprived or think they can’t have any treats,” she said.
- Avoid alcohol. Similarly, Farid encourages patients to avoid alcohol, which is generally not recommended during cancer treatment and is another source of empty calories. “Drinking alcohol can make people feel full without offering any nutrients,” Farid said.
- Choose smaller amounts. “An abundance of food, like we often see at holiday gatherings, can be overwhelming for some patients. Take your time, don’t feel like you have to follow the crowd,” suggested Farid. Eating smaller amounts more frequently can help with nausea and make it easier to take in vital calories.
- Prepare ahead for side effects. Many people going through chemotherapy may experience a metallic or bitter taste in their mouth. Farid encourages patients to avoid metal cutlery if possible, and even to carry their own disposable or reusable wooden or bamboo utensils with them for use at parties. Having ginger chews on hand can also help those battling nausea. Hard candy or citrus juice can help with dry mouth, another common side effect of some cancer treatments. She also reminds patients to be gentle with themselves and respect their changing energy levels.
- Enjoy that holiday dessert. One myth Farid wishes she could abolish is the often-repeated fear that sugar feeds cancer. “That is absolutely a myth, perpetuated online. Everyone can enjoy small amounts of cake or holiday desserts,” she said. Again, she wants people to focus on finding the joy in connecting with others at holiday gatherings and ignore any guilt or negativity around eating.
Ultimately, during the holiday season, Farid encourages people to focus on the pleasures of connecting with family and friends, while listening to their bodies and enjoying the things they really want in small amounts.
“I want my patients to feel happy,” said Farid. “Food is a sign of life and comfort and the holidays should be about sharing, caring and giving — and not stress.”
