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Editor’s note: Each week, our Friday Fix series offers pancreatic cancer patients, their families and caregivers a new topic related to health, diet and nutrition. For today’s post, we are exploring the importance of snacking and how it can help maximize nutrition. We’re also sharing insight from Jeannine Mills, MS, RD, CSO, LD, outpatient oncology dietitian at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and member of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Scientific and Medical Advisory Board.
Change in appetite is a common nutrition challenge for many pancreatic cancer patients when going through treatment. Food may taste different, or patients’ hunger may fluctuate depending on a variety of side effects.
Eating small snacks throughout the day can ease hunger and serve to maximize nutrition.
Today, expert Friday Fix contributor Jeannine Mills shares some snacking tips and healthy snack recommendations.
“Consider having foods accessible,” said Mills. “I often tell patients to place fresh fruit in a bowl on the counter top or try to have shelf-stable snacks in small bowls in areas where you may frequent the most. Consider carrying a granola bar, small package of oyster (soup) crackers or trail mix in your car, purse or backpack.”
Check out some additional tips.
Mills also suggested trying these go-to snacks:
- Assorted dry cereals
- Pretzels
- Protein bars
- English muffin with peanut butter
- Mixed nuts and pistachios
- Cottage cheese and pineapple
- Sesame sticks/crackers or flavored rice crackers
- Avocado on toast
- Frozen waffle with almond butter
- Ricotta cheese with strawberries and honey
Pancreatic cancer patients often have many questions and concerns about nutritional care. MyPlate, American Institute for Cancer Research and Cooking. Comfort. Care., can be used as resources for healthy diets on a budget. Since each patient has their own nutritional needs, we recommend patients consult with a registered dietitian for nutritional advice.
