The holidays pose a tough challenge for sticking with a healthy cancer diet during treatment. When you’re enjoying the festivities and joys of the season, it can be tempting to indulge in the dazzling array of treats surrounding you. But although most December holiday treats both look and taste wonderful, most are super sugary, spicy and greasy. Not what the doctor ordered.
To help you avoid feeling unwell by straying from your cancer diet, we at Mesothelioma Circle took 10 diet tips from mental toughness author and motivational speaker Steven Siebold and adapted them for a mesothelioma diet:
Stop cheating: Why would you cheat on something as important as your diet and health? Sounds harsh, but if you’re going to get fit, it’s all or nothing, even at the holidays.
Expect challenges: You know challenges are going to come up, so don’t let them catch you off guard. Have a plan in place so when this happens you stay compliant to your cancer diet.
Take responsibility: Realize that ultimately feeling as well as you can is your responsibility, and blaming the holidays for eating things you shouldn’t is no different than blaming restaurants and food manufacturers and portion sizes the rest of the year.
Don’t eat for pleasure: Find happiness in the holidays not from food, but in time spent with friends and family. Begin to see eating only as a means to increase health, energy and vitality.
Remember your why: Don’t forget your ‘Why’ or reason for wanting to stick with your mesothelioma diet. Here are some healthy eating ideas from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Just say no: There’s plenty of pressure at the holidays to try someone’s homemade fruitcake or jalapeno cheese dip. Just say ‘No’ and stop worrying about what they think. If they truly care about you, they’ll understand that your mesothelioma diet is important to you.
Ask the question: Before you put anything in your mouth, always ask yourself, “How is this food going to impact my health?” Think long and hard about your answer and the potential consequences that will come.
Don’t associate your mesothelioma diet with drudgery: During the holidays, look at your cancer diet as a strategy to help you feel as good as you possibly can.
Don’t let yourself start over: It’s not okay to start over again on Monday or after the holidays. It’s a common psychological trap with the core belief being, “I can eat the same and get different results.”
Don’t be ashamed to let people know you’re on a mesothelioma diet: Trust yourself enough to put your word on the line. Telling everyone you see creates additional pressure and motivation for you. It’s a tactically smart thing to do.