Frequently Asked Questions

Eating in restaurants and maintaining an ultra-healthy, anti-cancer diet is challenging, but it can be done. To facilitate this, I devoted a full 10 pages of my concise 60 page book to this topic in the newest 5th edition, which is currently available.

When you order the book from my web page, I will also include a brochure that summarizes the chapter to tuck into your purse or briefcase. In addition, I have developed a small "Chef's Request Card" that lists foods and preparation techniques that help with maintaining an anti-cancer diet.

I use this card (the size of a business card to keep in your wallet) if I cannot find anything on the menu that I believe is appropriate for me to eat. By handing this card to the waitstaff, who in turn has given it to the chef, I have had great success with having the chef make me something special that is appropriate from the various ingredients available in the kitchen. (I have not had to use this card very often, but it has been very useful in a few situations.)

Here is an example of restaurant menu items that I asked the chef to modify for me to make healthier.

Grilled Salmon served with Creamy Dill Sauce
Green House Salad with Cheese and House Dressing containing vegetable oil
Au Gratin Potatoes
Green Beans with Bacon
White Rolls with Butter

Here is what the chef prepared for me to eat instead, which was very healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare:

Broiled Salmon - no extra butter or fat used when broiling, and lemon wedges instead of the sauce
Green House Salad - no cheese - 1 teaspoon olive oil and vinegar for a salad dressing (I usually carry a very small bottle of olive oil in my purse)
Steamed Redskin potatoes (request no added butter)
Steamed Fresh Broccoli (request no added butter)
Wheat roll (not a true whole grain, but better than white bread) with 1 teaspoon olive oil
I also carry green tea bags in my purse and simply ask for hot water and a cup.

This is just one example. My book has an exhaustive list of healthy suggestions for specific types of restaurants, even fast food places. Enjoy!

FAQ posted 12/99

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Back to Main QandA Page 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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These questions and answers are intended to be of a general informative nature. Please consult with the Registered Dietitian in your cancer center or your health care provider for nutritional advice that can be individualized to your specific medical condition.