As I mentioned a few weeks ago, my mother underwent brain surgery to remove a tennis-ball sized tumor from the top of her head over her eye. She has since been diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and will begin intense radiation and chemotherapy treatment next week. Of course, the initial reaction was shock, fear, anger and weakness, but my mom is getting ready to rally like she’s never done in her life and the last thing she needs is a defunct group of cheerleaders.
Healthy Meal Plans for Healing After Surgery
One of the most important parts of cancer survival I have learned, is emotional well-being. Having the support of loved ones, being able to relax and opening up through spirituality and exercise like stretching and yoga can have a profound effect on a cancer patient. Diet and medical treatment have to be combined with these other factors for a good outcome. So I’m working on some healthy meal plans to help with her recovery.
Do you have a loved one battling any kind of cancer? How did you help them during treatment?
Do you know what foods are the best for a brain cancer patient to eat? According to Natural News, the best antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables included dried apples, plums and apricots, artichokes, curly kale, chilis, prunes, and okra flour. After berries, the other fruits that are great for cancer patients are peaches, mangoes and melons. Hmm…too bad my mom handed off her Smoothie Blender to me!
This part may be obvious, but it’s beneficial for brain cancer patients to keep from eating too much dairy, gluten, soy, corn, and processed foods. The best foods for a brain cancer diet are lean meats, cold water fish, tofu and beans for protein. You can find lots of healthy recipes here on this site!
Brain cancer patients can benefit from foods rich in folic acid, as it helps prevent the tumor from spreading.
Five Day Meal Plan for Brain Cancer Patients
These meal plans are not large, as patients undergoing surgery, chemo and/or radiation are not able to consume large quantities of food. Also, I am by no means an expert, I am just conducting my own research and sharing my findings.
day one
(B) One scrambled egg cup and 1/2 cup of berries
(L) Spinach, chickpea and tomato salad with feta and yogurt dressing + 1/2 cup berries
(D) Vegetable Enchiladas with Spinach
(S) 1/2 cup natural frozen yogurt made with Coconut Oil
day two
(B) Hearty oatmeal dark chocolate chip muffin + 1/2 cup berries
(L) Cottage cheese and flaxseed oil + Protein Smoothie
(D) Lean Ground Turkey and Brown Rice + Melon
(S) Banana Prune Muffin
day three
(B) Mason Jar Overnight Oatmeal with Flax + Berries
(L) Greek Salad in a Jar + Cottage Cheese
(D) Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Broccoli and Tomatoes
(S) Omega-3 Protein Bar + Berries
day four
(B) Pumpkin Muffins with Carrots and Walnuts
(L) Moroccan Loubia White Bean Stew
(D) Quiche with Broccoli
(S) Chocolate Prune Bars
day five
(B) Whole Grain Pancakes with Brewer’s Yeast and Flax + Berries
(L) Minestrone Soup with Kale
(D) Moroccan Salmon with Carrots and Tomatoes
(S) Popeye Bars
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Don’t forget to check out this book: I Had Brain Surgery, What’s Your Excuse? Said to be “Hilarious, hell-raising, and frequently heart-wrenching.” by Booklist |
Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts
Friday 15th of May 2015
Hi Vicki--Thanks so much for linking to my Popeye Bars. I'm so glad--and honored, of course--that they're going to be part of your mom's healing plan! Sending all good thoughts, healing energy, and prayers her/your way!
Shirley