On My Menu

I figured that the most sensible to thing to do in dealing with the lost of appetite and nausea would be to turn everything into a soup. Liquefied nutrients would be easy on the digestive system and ease constipation, another side effect of the treatment. A variety of mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkin, you name it - all organic. Fish or mince meat for the proteins. Yesterday, I realised that it's the soups that were giving rise to the lost of appetite! They were only going to be good for me if I can make myself eat them every meal.

My sense of smell and taste has become hyper-sensitive. Everything I eat seems to taste salty even when I don't add salt or soya sauce. When I smell or look at a particular food, I picture how it may feel in my mouth and stomach, and that in turn triggers a response in my head and throat. Fresh fruity foods works up my appetite; starchy, soupy and fried foods overwhelms my senses. I now have a better appreciation of how my wife felt when she was experiencing morning sickness whilst expecting the kids.

I have some dietary restrictions. According to my TCM doctor, because I have a heaty constitution, I should be avoiding spicy deep-fried foods. I am to abstain from seafood except fish. Less red meats and avoid chicken because of the hormones. Avoid refined sugars and preserved or canned foods. As much as possible eat fresh but cooked foods. My oncologist said the same thing about chicken, sugars, fresh cooked foods and also suggested that I switch from white rice to red or brown rice. 

Bananas, mangoes and other peeled fruits have been the absolute life-savers for me. The doctor said that fruit sugars are fine. I eat them fresh, juice them, or make a fruit salad. I add a protein supplement to the fruit juice in the morning. I may try baking the bananas tomorrow. I could also make some sugar-free jam from organic strawberries. And what about poached pears! Besides fruits, Italian food seems to lift my appetite. I told my wife that I may resort to Italian every lunch time when I get back to work.

Right now, I have a craving for nasi briyani with a wide variety of curries. This would be against doctor's orders so I shall have to wait a little longer to satisfy that craving. I've already cheated today by sharing a slice of  Ondeh Ondeh Cake with my wife for our after lunch dessert. In reality, whatever the recommended diet, I will have to ensure that it sustains my appetite. Otherwise it defeats the purpose.