Hitting the Nutritional Trifecta: Calories, Protein and Energy

The Powerhouse Smoothie

The Powerhouse Smoothie

How cancer patients react to chemotherapy greatly effects their odds of beating the cancer.  This is true because one of the major side effects of chemotherapy is the loss of appetite.  Staying strong and keeping the weight on are key to coping with chemo.

Chemo wreaks havoc on the body and most people under treatment don’t feel like eating much.  The smell of food cooking makes many nauseaus and the food itself has a metallic taste.  Some people even get mouth sores making chewing a painful process.

Smoothies can be a chemo patient’s ace-in-the-hole.  Not only are they cold and smooth with a yummy taste and texture, but they are extremely versatile.  With just a few substitutions, smoothies can be modified to the drinker’s preference.  For those undergoing chemo who are sensitive to smells, they have low to no odor at all.  By adding just a few key ingredients, such as protein powder or wheat germ, smoothies can pack a nutritional punch that is unsurpassed.

Moreover, to people not in the mood to cook or deal with food, one morning smoothie batch can last all day.  Many people like to sip on the smoothie throughout the day.  Fill an insulated glass and use a big bendable straw.  Leave the rest of the smoothie in the blender pitcher and place it in the freezer.  Thaw slightly and reblend the batch as needed to keep the glass full throughout the day.  Remember, your goal is pack in as many healthy calories as possible.

It is no wonder that thousands of chemo patients drink smoothies while in treatment.

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

1 Caregiver 01.11.09 at 4:29 pm

Boy do I agree with this. When my aunt was undergoing chemo she lived on smoothies. Her favorite was banana/peach/strawberry.

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