When I started chemotherapy side salads were an integral part of my diet because they were basic. I used a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. I stayed away from anything with a lot of acid because it became painful to eat. (Ex. – tomatoes) I was able to tolerate a little bit of acid, so it was all trial an error.
I avoided anything with vinegar as that burned terribly bad. Very small amounts of ketchup were okay. I was able to use mustard and horseradish sauce without a problem. Like I said I had to try it and see if I could tolerate it.
Why a Plant Based Diet?
I believe fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains are imperative for your body to heal itself. My biggest downfall is I love all kinds of food and I love to cook. I had to modify my diet if I wanted to get better. My body needed the maximum amount of free radical fighting foods and research said to follow a plant based diet. I cut out all beef, pork, lunch meat, and anything else that did not belong in my diet. So, what better then a side salad.
I was not able to finish my chemotherapy because I have a severe allergic reaction. By that I mean my throat was closing up and my heart rate skyrocketed! I had nine weeks of chemotherapy left and my doctor could not give it to me, so she said we will have you meet with the surgeon. After surgery, pathology checked what was taken out and there was no residual. That’s right I was completely clean! I thank God everyday because it truly is a miracle. Diet, exercise, prayer, and a positive mental attitude is what is needed.
Radiation had the same effect because my sternum (breastbone) was in the treatment area. It was much more intense with radiation. It goes away after about a month, so it is not a forever thing! Better days are ahead.
INGREDIENTS
- spinach
- vidalia onion
- red cabbage
- hard boiled egg
- grape tomatoes
- cucumber
DRESSING
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- salt
- pepper
Side salad is one of the easiest things to put together. You can use spinach or lettuce, which ever you prefer. (spinach and kale are considered super foods)
In a bowl, add spinach, onion, red cabbage, hard boiled egg, tomato, and cucumber. Put your choice of dressing on your side salad. I chose my dressing depending on where I was with treatment.
To make the dressing above simply mix mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Put on the dressing and enjoy your side salad.
I have chose to stick to a plant based diet to continue to give my body the maximum amount of nutrition. I believe I need to do this to continue living healthy and disease free. Chicken and fish are still a part of my diet also.
Happy Eating!