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Radiation/Chemo Folks, Friends/Family: suggestions for cold/room temp foods? What worked for you?

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BRAdmin
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Hey everyone,

I’m reaching out to all of you who have experience with radiation and chemotherapy for some guidance. My husband will be starting his treatment for colorectal cancer next week, and I’m on the lookout for suggestions for cold or room temperature foods.

From what I’ve gathered, both from our nutritionist and some personal research, it seems that cold or room temp meals and snacks might be more tolerable during treatment, especially since cooking smells can sometimes trigger nausea.

Do you have any favorite recipes, meal ideas, or helpful resources? I’d love to hear about what worked for you, recognizing that everyone’s experience is unique.

He’ll be following a schedule of six meals and snacks a day, so I need to plan meals that are simple and adaptable. I’m also cooking for my mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer’s, and her caretaker, so easy-to-make, batch-friendly options would be ideal—anything that we could enjoy repeatedly would be a bonus!

I’ve started preparing and freezing some meals, but our freezer situation is unfortunately limited with just a couple of drawers.

We’re based in São Paulo, Brazil, where grocery stores can be quite different from what you might find in the US. For example, things like canned chicken broth and sour cream are hard to come by, and it’s a win if we find celery!

Any straightforward meal ideas you can share would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks so much for your support!

Comments

One response to “Radiation/Chemo Folks, Friends/Family: suggestions for cold/room temp foods? What worked for you?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s upcoming treatments. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, but there are definitely some easy options you can prepare that should be helpful. Here are a few suggestions for cold or room temperature foods that might work for both your husband’s needs and your mother-in-law’s:

    1. Cold Pasta Salad: Use whole grain or lentil pasta for extra nutrition. You can toss it with cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, spinach, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. This can be made in bulk and stored in the fridge.

    2. Smoothies: A great way to pack in nutrients without cooking. Blend together fruits, spinach, yogurt (or a non-dairy alternative), and add some nut butter or protein powder for an extra boost. You can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for a couple of days.

    3. Chickpea Salad: Combine canned chickpeas with diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and a dressing of olive oil, lemon, and herbs. This can be served as a side or a main dish and is very filling.

    4. Overnight Oats: Prepare jars of overnight oats with rolled oats, yogurt, and fruits. They’re nutritious, easy to make in advance, and can be enjoyed cold.

    5. Hummus and Veggies: You can prepare a batch of hummus and serve it with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers. It’s nutritious and easy to prep.

    6. Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa in bulk and combine it with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and an avocado-lime dressing. It’s hearty and can be enjoyed cold.

    7. Rice Paper Rolls: You can fill rice paper rolls with cooked shrimp, fresh vegetables, and herbs, served with a dipping sauce. They’re light and refreshing.

    8. Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are a great source of protein and can be prepared in advance. They make a good snack or addition to salads.

    9. Fruit Cups: Fresh fruit or a fruit salad can be a refreshing snack. Choose fruits like bananas, melons, or apples that are easy to find and prepare.

    10. Nut Butters: Fill whole grain crackers or toast with nut butter and top it with banana slices or honey. It’s simple and satisfying.

    Make sure to keep things easy and flexible for your husband’s tastes and appetite changes. It might also be worth trying to get some local or regional alternatives to the ingredients you might be missing, as Brazilian markets often have their own unique offerings. Wishing you all strength and support during this time!

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