Cancer made me eat 😋

[wibbles]

Came up with a wiped out person version using the ingredients I have at home.

Chicken stock cube dissolved in 1 pint fresh boiled water.

Six chopped chestnut mushrooms.

Medium sized carrot peeled and chopped.

Slithers of fresh ginger.

1/2 a frozen ready grated garlic cube. (Can be found in frozen Asian foods most major supermarkets)

1/4 sweetheart cabbage. Finely sliced.

80g cauldron ready to use marinated tofu pieces. (Garlic and ginger)

1 slice thin easy cook steak.

I dried fried the beef

Dash of good soy sauce.

Dry fry the finely sliced beef with garlic and ginger. Place the sweet heart cabbage in a saucepan. Once beef is cooked add the carrots, mushrooms and continue to gently dry fry. Add this to the cabbage in the pan. Add tofu pieces. Add made up stock cube. Dash of soy sauce. Bring to boil then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes so the carrots are tender.

Makes two bowls.

This took me 10 minutes to prep, had a sit down whilst it simmered.

Was able to eat Ìt and tbh it is delicious. Tasted good with none of the spices my poor battered taste buds loathe. Has not upset my grouchy stomach either. Sending DH out with shopping list for more ingredients as he has taken today as his day off. (Works as Anglican priest) I think this would also work if I added in some broken up spaghetti as noodles for those need healthy food but without lots of effort days.

Thank you so much for the inspiration to give this a try with what I had at home.

[insulasacra]

This sounds great! Really happy it worked out for ya

[foxgem]

Cookie dough brownie protein bars!!!

Using the same process as I did for the cocoa protein bars.

Brownie Mix

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 scoops protein powder
• 1/3 cup oats
• 1 tbps honey/maple sugar
• 1 cup soy milk (go slowly when mixing this in. You are looking for a playdough type consistency)

Cookie dough Mix

• 5 date (left in boiling water for 10 minutes to soften)
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 3 tbsp soy milk

- 5 tbps dark chocolate for melting on top and a handful of crushed walnuts on top of that

Stir together the brownie mix. Get some gloves on and really smoosh it all together.

Once softened put the dates and the 3 tbsp of milk in a processor of some type to whizz them up into a paste. In a seperate bowl mix this together with the Cookie dough mix. Looking for that playdough consistency.

Line a loaf tin and mix equally both doughs. I took about 5-6 small balls of each and put them in the tin then squashed it all down so it becomes one. Like a simple marbled looking effect.

Melt the chocolate and pour on top, adding the crushed walnuts.

Freeze for 10-15 minutes or put in the fridge for an hour

[foxgem]

[wibbles]

When your sick to the back teeth of side effects one after another. Latest a nasty flare of atopic eczema. Now covered in lotions, potions and benovate, wearing only my DhS cotton nightshirt on a cotton sheet on the sofa. Have downed the sodding antihistamines in the hope they kick in soon.

Feed up so went for this as my Afternoon snacks. Small banana, DH GF 70% choclate and cocoa brownie, piece of 90% choclate, walnuts and some frozen cherries. Plus greens pomegranate cordial.

Very easy to assemble, better for you than reaching for most commercial snacks. keep the frozen fruit to easy hand reach in your freezer . Keep choclate in a cool place in your kitchen. Gf brownies need to be made in advance, can be frozen but should be kept in a fridge.

. If you’re less keen on choclate like me try nibbling Ìt between bites of nuts. I think if your less keen have more energy you could melt Ìt and add broken nuts to it then leave to set in bite sized teaspoonful amounts on baking parchment. Cheaper and uses a much higher cocoa content choclate than ready made chocolate coated nuts,

[wibbles]

[sam1204]

That’s a perfect combo @wibbles !

What antihistamine have they given you? Fenofexadine has totally cleared up my allergic face rash. The loratadine didn’t touch it. Sorry I know that not a food question (breaking the rules here )

[foxgem]

I was reminded today of crumpets and I think I will add them to my shopping list next time. These can be frozen so easy to keep and can be topped with just about anything! Some good quality jam, honey, butter, marmite. Gentle on the tummy also.

Marmite was the one food I was able to taste when I lost my smell and taste during covid

[wibbles]

Cetrizine as it’s one I can tolerate. I will be showing the photos to oncologist next week.
I am currently wearing just a men’s cotton night shirt and a cotton sheet rocking the greased to the hilt look!

DH can cook tonight l am done. It’s in every single skin crease as well as on the backs of my hands and wrist creases too. I did manage to make a slightly bigger amount of insulusacre’s version of chanso. I used an onion and a potatoe this time with a good handful of spinach leaves to wilt in just before serving.

absolutely hit the spot again to the point I know have a delicious new comfort food full of good stuff that tastes good, is easy to make and eat and I have a portion left in the fridge for tomorrows lunch if itch stops sleep again.

[sam1204]

I’ve just had a delicious pudding of tinned cherries, kefir yoghurt and a spoon of cocoa powder. Like a Black Forest gateau without the cake! Delicious ! And so easy to put together. Giving those neutrophils a last minute boost before blood test tomorrow morning.

[wibbles]

WAs seriously tempted to just snack as my hands are so sore from an excema flare but managed to resist. made a simple porridge with added dried apricots, flaked almonds, hazelnuts and some blueberries instead.

Thank you to all here for inspiring me to aim above the snack cupboard.

[foxgem]

The perfect way to start the day

I need to get some more dried apricots I really enjoy those

[insulasacra]

Gonna try at home for sure!

Do you recommend anything as a substitute for the date? Not the biggest fan of dates (or other fruit preserves like sultana ) do you think I can just skip this ingredient?

Edit: saw dried apricots in other posts! maybe that’ll work?

[foxgem]

Yeah you could use apricots or maybe dried figs do you like those? Or maybe some raisins. Id definitely still soften them though

[foxgem]

Morning all I woke up with only one thing on my mind again haha

I’m in the 2nd week before my next round so I’m starting to get more curious again about what I can do to help build up my immune system before my next bloodtest and specifically what I need to remember on my next food shop. I asked an ai search engine to help me with this.

Some of the ingredients I wouldn’t eat, some I know I can easily add in here and there.

I know food and diet can drive us crazy, some more than others (me, @sam1204 haha) but just adding a few extras has got to help. We’ve gone over this before here but I’m just reminding myself, trying to make these my natural go to foods.

Essential Nutrients for Immune Cell Production

1. Proteins and Amino Acids

Building blocks for all cells, including white and red blood cells.

Support production of antibodies and immune signaling molecules.

2. Iron

Crucial for hemoglobin production in red blood cells.

Supports oxygen transport and energy metabolism.

Deficiency can cause anemia and weaken immune response.

3. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Essential for DNA synthesis during cell division.

Deficiency impairs red blood cell formation and immune function.

4. Folate (Vitamin B9)

Works with B12 for DNA synthesis and cell replication.

Important for rapid production of immune cells.

5. Vitamin C

Supports white blood cell function and antioxidant protection.

Enhances iron absorption from food.

6. Vitamin A

Maintains mucosal surfaces and supports white blood cell differentiation.

Important for innate and adaptive immunity.

7. Vitamin D

Modulates immune responses and supports white blood cell activity.

Helps regulate inflammation.

8. Zinc

Vital for DNA synthesis and cell division.

Supports development and function of immune cells.

9. Copper

Required for iron metabolism and formation of red blood cells.

Supports antioxidant enzymes protecting immune cells.

10. Selenium

Antioxidant role protecting immune cells.

Supports production and function of white blood cells.

11. Choline

Important for cell membrane integrity and signaling in immune cells.

12. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Anti-inflammatory properties supporting immune cell function.

Immune & Blood Cell Support Shopping List

• Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb) — rich in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12

• Shellfish (oysters, crab, shrimp) — high in zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin B12

• Eggs — provide protein, choline, vitamin B12

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) — packed with folate, iron, vitamin C

• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans) — good source of folate, protein, iron

• Fortified cereals (with B12 and folate) — important for vitamin B12 and folate

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) — rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D

• Nuts and seeds (Brazil nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds) — selenium, zinc, copper, omega-3s

• Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) — vitamin B12, protein, vitamin D

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons but NOT grapefruits) — vitamin C for immune function and iron absorption

• Bell peppers — high in vitamin C

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) — vitamin C, folate, vitamin A precursors

• Carrots — vitamin A precursors

• Sweet potatoes — vitamin A precursors

• Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats) — folate, some zinc and iron

• Soy products (tofu, soybeans) — protein, choline, some iron

• Liver — very high in iron, vitamin A, B12

• Pure, unsweetened cocoa powder — antioxidants, magnesium, iron

This order reflects their combined nutrient density and direct influence on immune and blood cell health.

[foxgem]

Next on my list is hydration which has been harder for me than diet. This is what it said…

Supporting your body through chemotherapy with nourishing fluids and teas can be a gentle way to maintain hydration, soothe symptoms, and provide antioxidants. Here’s a list of fluids and teas with health benefits that may help you during chemotherapy:

Hydrating Fluids

• Water: The most essential fluid to stay hydrated and help flush toxins.

• Coconut Water: Natural electrolytes help replenish minerals and keep hydration balanced.

• Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices (diluted): Vitamin C and antioxidants, but avoid too much sugar.

• Vegetable Broths: Nutrient-rich, easy to digest, and soothing.

Teas with Potential Benefits

• Ginger Tea

  • Helps reduce nausea and vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy.

  • Anti-inflammatory and digestive support.

• Peppermint Tea

  • Soothes digestive issues and can help with nausea and headaches.

  • Cooling and calming effect.

• Chamomile Tea

  • Calming, helps with sleep and anxiety.

  • Mild anti-inflammatory properties.

• Green Tea

  • Rich in antioxidants (catechins) that may support immune function.

  • Drink in moderation because of caffeine content.

• Turmeric Tea (Golden Milk)

  • Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

  • Can support overall immune health.

• Licorice Root Tea

  • May soothe mucous membranes and ease digestive discomfort.

  • Use with caution if you have high blood pressure.

• Lemon Balm Tea

  • Calming, may help with anxiety and sleep disturbances.

[al1kat]

I’ve only just found this thread. I’m not having chemo (at least I don’t think so) so don’t have all of the challenges some if you are facing, but I certainly recognise wanting to eat better but being too exhausted to do much about it. I’m trying to get round it by making bigger batches of things and freezing portions, even if I do have to do it in bite sized chunks. So the other day I really fancied Anna Jones’ Saag Aloo shepherds pie Saag aloo 'shepherd's' pie recipe - BBC Food but by the time I’d cooked the base I was too exhausted to make the rest so I froze half the base and then made the top half the following day. It tasted great and I had enough leftover to do a further two meals. I have easily greek yoghurt every morning with home made fruit compote (currently I’m stewing fresh plums with frozen raspberries and cherries, some cinnamon and a bit of water) and a handful of low carb granola.The other thing I’m doing is trying to up what I drink. I don’t normally drink enough though I have one filter coffee every morning with whole milk as a sort of ritual. I’ve discovered I really like a lemon infusion to drink. I first had it at the Contini café in the national gallery of Scotland. I can’t quite replicate theirs (they use Amalfi lemons) but I put a couple of slices of lemon (or a mix of orange and lemon) in a mug with a spring of rosemary and half a cinnamon stick and top it up with hot water. If I’ve just used lemon I sometimes add half a teaspoon of honey as well.

[sam1204]

I love hot water and lemon, it’s great as a cleanse and for hydration. It’s the first thing I drink every morning - even before coffee!

Loving those lists @foxgem . A really useful reminder. I wish I liked green tea better as it is so good for you.

[wibbles]

Today had to give it up, managed to get to the shop for ingredients and wiped myself out again. Instead resorted to Scully ready made chowder soup ( no tomatoes) with fresh bread. Easy to grab nut and fresh fruit as afternoon snacks and Dd had to make us both tea. Nibbling ginger biscuits in a pile of blankets over a sheet on the sofa.

Missed the porridge with extras this morning too. Going to try again tomorrow as the porridge with extras clearly helps..

[foxgem]

We all have those days It’s probably easier to make up for it on the good days than forcing things on bad days. Hope you feel a bit better tomorrow