Please Welcome Jillian McKee, Blogger for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance

Today we're taking a break from the usual FoodFic musings to hear from Jillian McKee,
a blogger who saw the Toastworthy Teen post highlighting cancer survivor Caitlyn Mortus
and asked if she could share some valuable information on food and health.
I was of course happy to have her pull up a seat at the BWATE? table. :) 

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Discover How to Incorporate More Nutrition into a Cancer Patient’s Diet

Numerous medical studies and research results have proven that the majority of cancer patients can benefit greatly when they maintain a diet that is loaded with fruits and vegetables. While nearly anyone can benefit from consuming wholesome and healthy foods in place of heavier, starchier, junk foods, cancer patients stand to benefit dramatically through potentially increased energy levels, more stable mood swings, and physical strength. As well as a diet increasing energy and giving people more stamina and endurance, certain healthy foods can also act as immune soldiers in the fight for better health.

People who have been affected by mesothelioma cancer, or other types of cancer, can begin taking an assertive stand and battling the disease whole-heartedly by making a commitment to increase the amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into their diet.  Certain dairy products such as cheese and Greek yogurt are also ideal foods to consume to help the body gain adequate amounts of protein and energy.  Using creative meal-planning techniques and innovative and delicious recipes using nutritious ingredients can make eating meals not only enjoyable for cancer patients but healthy as well.

In one article, experts spoke about how cancer patients are at risk of experiencing an imbalance in electrolytes. Electrolytes are needed to promote healthy functioning of the heart and balanced chemistry in the blood. Many cancer treatments can cause a person to have an imbalance of electrolytes. However, eating foods that are high in potassium and calcium and consuming a lot of water can help to restore the balance and promote better overall health. Better overall health in cancer patients leads to stronger bodies that are more apt to cope with the rigorous sessions of cancer treatments.

Cheese and vegetable quiches, cold vegetable snack trays, vegetable kabobs that are roasted in the oven, fruit smoothies made with natural fruit that does not have additives and yogurt are all healthy meal and snack options that cancer patients can consume to get them back on a healthier eating lifestyle.  Spinach tortillas loaded with fresh spinach, lettuce, red bell peppers, black olives, and diced fresh broccoli is another satisfying and delicious meal.  Simply drizzle on a light coating of flavored olive oil and add a layer of a favorite cheese to make this meal even more delicious and appealing.

When people who have cancer invest in eating healthier foods and make a commitment to stay away from junk foods and foods that are loaded in fat and are heavy in starches, they will be able to control their weight management better and will stand a great chance of improving heart health, gaining more energy, and having an overall higher quality of life. Preparing healthy meals in advance and sticking them in the freezer or refrigerator is a great way to have nutritious meals on hand at all times.

Thanks for sharing your food for thought, Jillian! 

 You can find Jillian at The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog,

as well as on  Facebook  and  Twitter (@jillianmckee)

Bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization, Jillian McKee has worked as the Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009. Jillian spends most her time on outreach efforts and spreading information about the integration of complementary and alternative medicine when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment.