Cancer, Chemo + Weight Gain: A Nutritionist’s Perspective

There’s been a lot of debate around cancer treatment (like chemotherapy) and weight loss/weight gain. The main misconception is that chemotherapy makes you lose weight. But there are a lot of other treatment options that prove otherwise, particularly steroids and hormone treatments. For the second instalment in our Cancer, Chemo + Weight Gain series, we asked Marsha Fenwick, a clinical nutritionist and certified cancer coach, for her thoughts on tackling wellness goals post cancer treatment.

Diet and weight gain when it comes to cancer.

According to Fenwick, post-cancer weight gain doesn’t happen overnight. Most often, it’s gradual, persistent, and occurs over the first two years post treatment and beyond. Aside from medication side effects, other factors contributing to weight gain post cancer treatment are: changes in appetite, reduced activity and slower metabolism. In other words, diet is important.

What should we really be eating?

If you didn’t already know, there are a lot of changes coming to the Canadian Food Guide between 2018 and 2019. The last revisions were made last year and there has been a lot of research done on nutrition and the kinds of foods we should be eating since then. While we don’t yet know all the updates the new food guide will have, we do know that the plans include more practical advice on how to meal plan, prepare, and eat healthier foods. But, in the mean time, what food choices should we be making?

Marsha suggests avoiding processed vegetable oils and refined sugars and carbohydrates, while focusing your nutrition on:

• Whole foods: Plant based, unrefined, and unprocessed foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
• Clean protein: Plant based proteins like edamame, beans, chickpeas, wild rice, quinoa, etc. and small amounts of meats that are free from pesticides and antibiotics.
• Large amounts of vegetables: Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower.
• Healthy fats: Think avocados, fatty fish, whole eggs, nuts and chia seeds.
• Low glycemic fruits: Cherries, grapefruits, pears, apples, oranges and strawberries.

While gaining weight after cancer treatment can be extremely frustrating, there are ways to make your nutrition goals less daunting.

KEYS TO DOING NUTRITION THE RIGHT WAY POST-TREATMENT:

1. Personalized Nutrition Plan

Customize! Customize! Customize! It’s not one size fits all. According to Marsha, personalized nutrition plans are essential because every person is different. Health history, medications, current food patterns and preferences are all important factors to consider when developing nutrition goals that make sense for you.

2. Be Realistic

Starting slower is better. Things don’t change overnight. Marsha stresses the importance of making changes gradually and as tolerated. Check in with yourself, know your limits, and trust that even making small, realistic and sustainable goals will help you build better routines in the future.

3. Mix In Other Wellness Habits

Don’t be afraid to mix it up. In fact, Marsha actually encourages it. Nutrition is only one aspect of wellness. A regular exercise routine, stress reduction strategies, meditation, reflexology and laughter therapy are all good practices you can consider to help keep you in the right headspace throughout your post-treatment wellness journey.

4. View Food Differently

Think differently about food. Marsha puts it this way: food is medicine and fuel for our body’s cells. This mindset is key to maintaining a healthy, positive relationship with food. Thinking about food this way can help give you the confidence to make healthier decisions about what you eat.

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Marsha Fenwick, C.N.P. R.T.   Marsha is not your typical nutritionist. She began her career 20 years ago as Registered Respiratory Therapist. Later, she earned her certifications as a Registered Nutritional Consultant Practitioner, Certified Nutritional Practitioner, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner. Marsha is also a Certified Cancer Coach. Her clinical practice specializes in: sustainable healthy weight loss, digestive health, women’s hormones, diabetes, heart health, and cancer prevention and recovery. For more information, you can also check out her website: Marsha Fenwick Nutrition.