Frequently Asked Questions

Q - How "strict" do I need to be with my diet? My husband and I have a tradition of having a cup of hot chocolate after a show. This is a special time, and I am loath to do away with it. Would one cup every so often hurt?

You have asked a very good and common question.

The title of my most popular presentation is "Feeding Body and Soul: A Dietitian's Personal Journey of Cancer Survivorship". Your tradition is vitally important to feeding your soul :-) Don't ever give it up!

In reality, no one knows the answer to your question. I like to think about everything I eat in these terms:

• "How is this food or beverage nurturing me?" I think of the answer to that question in terms of both my body and soul, in other words, both the physical and emotional aspects of that choice. After all, food is more than biochemistry; food is also happiness.
• However, when I am considering consuming anything that I don't regularly eat or drink, I do hold myself in check, so to speak, and think about how much of that item I really need to nurture my soul. Will savoring one or two special cookies satisfy that need instead of eating the entire box in one sitting?

Your special tradition with your husband sounds very meaningful. You are very fortunate to have established this delightful ritual, which indeed, sounds very nourishing to me!

FAQ posted 5/05

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Nutritional Concerns during Cancer Recovery

	How do you eat in restaurants and still maintain an ultra-healthy diet? posted 12/99
	Do you ever 'CHEAT' on your diet? posted 12/99
	What do you eat for snacks?
	What is your opinion on other books on nutrition and cancer? posted 4/00
	Can one eliminate dairy and meat (but not eggs) and still work with your recommended dietary changes?
	What are your views about sugar for cancer patients? Does it *feed* tumors? Should I avoid it in any form? posted 08/00
	What can be done to relieve the fatigue I am still experiencing since my cancer therapy has been completed? Will any dietary supplements help me? posted 7/01
	Please give me your advice on microwaved food and cancer? posted 2/02
	I have recently heard that Vitamin A may be linked to osteoporosis. I see Vitamin A in nearly everything on food labels, even my soymilk. What is the connection and how much should I be consuming? posted 5/02, updated 2/03
	Will consuming dairy foods increase my risk for ovarian cancer recurring? posted 11/02
	Diana, what are the top 10 - 20 foods that you make sure you eat on a regular basis? posted 12/02
	Diana, What 5 things have you changed in your diet that you think are the most important for enhancing the odds for long-term cancer recovery? posted 12/02
	Do you have diet suggestions for someone who has diarrhea after radiation therapy for rectal cancer? posted 1/04, updated 4/04, 11/04, 5/01
	Is there any diet to alleviate lymphedema resulting from cancer surgery? posted 8/04
	How "strict" do I need to be with my diet? posted 5/05
	What tips do you have to stay on a healthy diet during the holiday season? posted 11/06

 

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