Chemo and weight gain

[abrite]

I was diagnosed September 2005 with ovarian cancer. Underwent a year of chemotherapy and was off chemo until a recurrence July 2007. Was on monthly chemo from that time until 2 months ago when I started weekly chemotherapy. Part of the chemo includes weekly IV Decardon. Since July, I have gained 25 pounds. I know it is not all due to the steroids because I admittedly overeat and prior to the weekly chemo, I was unable to exercise due to foot blisters from the monthly chemo. I have succeeded in the past on South Beach, but am not sure if that is appropriate given the chemo situation. I have recently been able to start exercising again which I am hoping will be helpful.

Do you have suggestions for proper nutrition/weight loss plan not only for the purpose of being healthy but also for losing weight.  Thanks so much.

[Renee Radenberg]

A Heart Healthy diet would be the best type of diet to help decrease any complications of the disease, lose weight by the portion sizes, and to stay healthy overall. A Heart Healthy diet means a moderate fat diet to lower the fat content of your foods and increase ‘good’ fats to benefit your body. Moderate fat diet means = use polyunsaturated (omega 3, corn oil, nuts, etc) fats and monounsaturated (olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, etc) fats, no saturated fats (high fat snack foods, butter, fat spreads) and no trans fats. Eat low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), substitute dairy products (low fat soy milk/soy yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). You need about 1500 calories per day (lower end of portion sizes). If you are still on chemo, then go to 1800 calories per day (higher portion sizes). Do not try to lose weight until you are finished with the chemo. Portion sizes are important and daily balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates and fat. That equals to approximately 2 servings of protein sources (5-6oz.-total), 2-3 servings of dairy (16 oz.-total), 2 fruits, 3 vegetables (1/2 cup each serving), and 5-6 servings of grain (1 slice of bread or 1/2 cup of cereal each). This is a healthy way of eating for you to slowly lose weight and to be continuing to be healthy at the same time. Walking is also the best form of exercise and you can simply do that by increase walking to 1/2 hour a day. That 1/2-hour can be broken up through the day, 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there. Hope this helped to give you some ideas.