Halp!

[Lucinda]

I'm having trouble finding much of anything that tastes good and doesn't make me queasy.
I think it's a side effect from the methotrexate I'm taking.
If I don't eat I get queasy too, so it's no win.
I see my doctor soon and will talk to her about the nausea side effect from the chemo meds...but I need help in the meantime.

Yogurt tastes good and I can tolerate it. But I want something more than cold food.
I'm being careful with fresh fruit and veggies while my immune system is suppressed...
I feel better if I have meat proteins but they either taste like nothing or make me queasy.
I'm doing a bit of veggie protein combining but its getting boring - and again I can't taste much.

I can tolerate spicy and hot pretty well.
I know i could do soup and broth etc. but I am looking for something I can make ahead of time and snack on when I get an urge to nibble that actually has some flavor.
I also have to eat a bit every 6 hours for my pain pills. I can force myself to eat what I need to to get nutrition...I just want flavor! :P

Any suggestions for me?

[hippywife]

1. Hmmm...that's a tough one, babe.

Which meats/preparations have been proven to make you queasy? :hug:

(And are you making fun of my Hep! I need Hep!? :rofl: )

[Lucinda]

2. Ahhh sweetie...you know me, I'm not subtle.

If I were gonna make fun of you I would have done it IN your thread. :P

Just about anything with actual food in it makes me queasy.
But I feel better when I eat if I can keep it down.
Right now it's all just a huge turn off and I cant taste much.
I made pizza dough yesterday and had a little bite of Bills pizza. The crust was ok.
I was ok with take out burgers for a couple of days. I didn't have to smell them cooking. But now they gross me out.

I seem to like butter. And yogurt. And tiny sips of Dr Pepper. And plain tortillas. Not the stuff of tempting meals. I thought if I could find something with a strong pop of flavor it might be more appealing. But I need to get the cooking over with in one shot and just reheat. And it's hard to be creative when nothing sounds good. So I'm stumped.

[hippywife]

5. Since you're okay with spicy

and you want that pop of flavor, how about something like General Tso's Chicken, or Pad Thai, something like that? Any good take out places in the area for this stuff?

And you really do crack me up...most of the time...sometimes...often... :rofl:

[Lucinda]

6. I love General Tso's. I'd have to make it, but that sounds good!

No take out here to speak of. There are several nice restaurants, but nothing interesting. They cater to the tourists. So it's sort of upper end steak and boring food sort of places.

The only delivery is pizza...and my pizza is way better.

I may give the General Tso's a try!

[hippywife]

8. Good deal!

That and sesame chicken spiced up a little bit are my favorite Chinese dishes. Oh, and I love Thai with a nice spicy peanut sauce, too. Yummm! :9

Hope it works out for you. :hug:

[Lucinda]

10. Thanks sweetie!

I'll eat what I have to in order to stay nourished. It's just no fun. :)

[hippywife]

11. In the meantime,

can you get some healthy equivalent to Boost or Ensure, or in a pinch use those? I think if you aren't getting enough nutrition due to these difficulties, you do need to supplement your diet. You can mix them with your frozen yogurt. Also, as someone else suggested, it might not be a bad idea to ask the doc for a short course of anti-nausea meds. Sometimes we just gotta do things we don't want to in order to stay alive. Food is medicine and you aren't going to get any better if you aren't getting proper nutrition, babe.

:hug:

[cbayer]

3. Mashed potatoes? Kraft mac and cheese? Grits? Polenta?

I love grits when I am feeling badly. They don't reheat well, but you can make the fast cooking ones pretty quickly.

How about warmed applesauce?

[Lucinda]

7. I have other stomach problems that make the starches a no go

even though I love mac n cheese.

The applesauce sounds good to me though! And I never thought of heating it. Would definitely solve that wanting something "warm" feeling. Thanks sooo much for the suggestion!

[Lars39]

4. I remember downing tacquitos like there was no tomorrow.

Also really peppery white bean soup. My problem was certain foods tasting metallic. blech x(
Your doc could probably just call you in something for the nausea. :hi:

[Lucinda]

9. I've been doing home made Mexican and am burned out

and I cant taste it anymore either. Which is a shame. I am not getting the metallic thing, luckily. Just nothing. I could eat pictures of food and get the same flavor. lol

Soup would be a smart choice. Nourishing. And I could reheat it as needed.
I can't taste pepper. Or many spices. Just had canned salsa and could maybe taste a little tomato. Or maybe I just knew it was in there. It's sooo weird.

I don't want to take any more meds if I can avoid it. But i may have to...we shall see.

Thanks for answering! :hi:

[beac]

12. A quick and easy source of veggie protein with a little spice:

MorningStar Farms Veggie Sausage Patties

http://www.morningstarfarms.com/products_vegetarian-breakfast-sausages-bacon.aspx

I really like the Maple-Flavored ones. They don't have a strong mapley flavor, just a sort of sweet/spice mix of tastes.

On days when I need a quick protein burst in the morning, I nuke two of these for about 3 minutes.

The MSF products are usually in the regular frozen section at the grocery store rather that the 'health food' section.


Quorn makes great non-soy veggie protein products http://www.quorn.us/Home/ and their Naked Chik'n Cutlets can be used anywhere you'd use chicken. I also love their Goat Cheese & Cranberry Chik'n Cutlets.

Quorn products usually ARE in the specialty health/natural section of the store, in the freezer.

[Lucinda]

18. I forgot all about the Morning Star farms brand!

I used to eat their black bean burgers when I was a vegetarian. LOTS of flavor!
I'll definitely look and see if they carry them here! Thanks for the reminder! :hi:

[beac]

24. You're welcome!

Their black bean burgers make a nice tortilla wrap with avocado and fresh cilantro, too. Cook the burger, cut it in strips and wrap it with the cold ingredients in the warmed tortilla.

Good luck and do keep us posted! :hug:

[housewolf]

13. Can you eat eggs? Omeletsl?

A nice meat-filled omelet with some salsa on top? Or an avocado/guacamole filling? Not exactly snackin' food, though.

Sorry, I don't have much in the way of suggestions for you.

I'd be thinking soups that I could make a big pot of and heat up quickly, stews, chili, hash, stuff like that. Or smoothies made with yogurt, organic pesticide-free fruits and and protein powder.

Sorry, I don't remember all your dietary restrictions. What about some oatmeal? You could add quinoa for a protein boost. Almonds and walnuts are quite nutritious, if you can handle nuts.

I really feel for you and wish I could be more helpful. Hope you get back to that dr quite soon for a consult.



:hug:

[Lucinda]

19. Thankie sweetie! I tried my usual favorite and count taste it at all.

I make a dill omlette with asiago cheese that I love...couldn't taste it at all. Trying a Mexican version might work. I seem to be craving salsa and I keep meaning to ask Bill to pick up avocados. Thanks for the suggestion!

[KC]

14. How

about a Fruit Compote?

I eat it warm with a little milk, cream or half and half on top

Dried Fruit Compote

6 servings, 1/2 cup each

2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
dried fruit (3/4 cup each or
about 1 lb. mixed dried fruit..whatever you like best...such as prunes, pears, apricots, peaches, apples or figs)

Stir water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Add dried fruit of choice and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat and simmer slowly for 30 minutes.
Uncover and continue simmering slowly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving or Serve warm,
room temperature or chilled.

[Lucinda]

20. That sounds really good and very comfort foodish!

I may give this a try. Thank you! :hi:

[grasswire]

15. what about chinese hot and sour soup?

Or Japanese miso soup? You can find that in an envelope -- just add hot water.

I'm sorry you are having these difficulties. I know only on a minor scale how weary one can get of dietary restrictions. It gets exhausting.

Sometimes I take a teaspoon of chicken Better Than Bouillon and mix it into a cup of hot milk. That is very comforting to me. You could mix some whey powder into it for added protein.

[Lucinda]

21. I have a friend who swears by hot and sour for heath reasons

She runs for it whenever she feels bad. I think quickie instant soups are a good idea, thank you. I don't want regular canned soup, but instant might be a nice alternative. I want something warm but not too bulky since my stomach is being irritated too. I'll look and see what I can get locally.

[Tesha]

16. Soothing but spicy...

no fresh fruit and little carb
meat doesn't work either?

Make a fritatta! yummy eggs and cheese and cream and veggies - add hot sauce for a kick!
Its good hot, warm, or cold. Its has infinite variety.

I cut up leftovers into little squares and dip them in sauces...


hope you feel better kiddo -

[beac]

17. My friend cooks mini-frittatas in those little stand-up-on-their-own aluminum

cupcake foils (is foils the right word?? They're like fluted liners except they don't line b/c they are freestanding.)

She makes a big batch every weekend and stores them in the fridge for quick snacking.

[Lucinda]

22. I feel better if I eat meat...just can't taste it and it makes me queasy

A fritatta might work - I could make it and then just work on it a bit at a time. Thank for the suggestion! :hi:

[Warpy]

23. In the meantime, consider liquid nutrition

Ensure and diet shakes are basically the same formula and will supply you with the nutrition your body needs to withstand the chemo and then heal.

The worst thing you can do is cut down on nutrition.

Liquids are always a lot easier to get down and it doesn't matter if you taste them much. You can also shake some Benefiber into them and you won't even know it's there, except it will help keep things moving on the other end even with the pain pills.

You'll feel much better when you keep your body fed.

[Lucinda]

29. Yep. I am being careful. I am already taking D and B Complex (doc requested)

and am trying to keep nutrition levels up. I had trouble with both Ensure and Boost in the past, but haven't tried them again recently. I was able to handle the fruity ones - don't remember which of the two companies made the fruit flav ones. If I cant do it with food I'll go back to shakes or the liquid supplements.

[Warpy]

33. My mother's favorite was Slim Fast

She'd also lost much of her sense of taste due to other reasons and found their flavors actually got through. Since the formulas were about the same, we just gave her what we could get into her.

She lived almost exclusively on Slim Fast for five years.

[Lucinda]

34. I have used Slim Fast before

LOVED the Chocolate Malt. I have dairy problems but was able to use it with acidolphilus milk. Thanks for the reminder!

[KC]

25. What

about something like a chicken pot pie? I know it must be hard to find
something to eat when so much makes you queasy. There is nothing worse
than that feeling.

[Lucinda]

27. I may give that a try. Thanks! I like the Marie Callender pot pies

Haven't had any in a long time

[madmax]

52. Just wondering if you take any cortisone?

I've taken methotrextrate for 12 years. Hasn't affected my taste buds but, Dexamethasone does - big time. Also makes me one hungry human. At times I want to eat the moulding off the walls. Have gained 42 lbs. in 3 months. I'm not happy!! I can't walk, bend - I feel uncomforatble no matter what. I wore size 8 now i wear 1X. All 42 lbs. are in my torso. Legs and arms skinny threads.

[The empressof all]

26. Try to get your hands on some Crystalized Ginger

They have light and dark versions...so get a little bit of both to see if you prefer one over the other.

I cook it in Oatmeal with chopped apples and cinnamon. It adds a great kick

Of course you can just sit in front of the tv and devour a whole bag like I did the other night. OY!

Ginger is also soothing to the stomach!


I find the stuff in the bulk food bins at my grocery...


You also might want to try a really garlicy pasta puttenesca with lots of extra olives. Make it with some Sausage. Great strong flavors there!

[Lucinda]

28. Thanks for the suggestions!

I have ginger tea, but haven't ever tried the crystalized. I'll look for some!

[trud]

30. Mom used to

give me ginger ale when I was queasy from being sick. Canada Dry Ginger Ale tastes much better than its competitors, imho. You could warm that too. Crystallized ginger is sold in the spice area of supermarkets, in the little bottles like the rest of the spices.

Coca cola (syrup) was originally sold as a stomach settler. Whether it still works, or whether that came from the opium, I dunno.

It sounds like you can tolerate breads? A roll etc. warmed in the microwave would at least be filling. Maybe some of the nausea is from not eating enough even though you're trying. I hear pregnant women are always nibbling on crackers and such for nausea.

Peanut butter or other nut butters?

Pepto Bismol... Dramamine? Half a tablet of the latter puts me out like a light, though.

How long are the meds going to have to go on?

[Lucinda]

32. I've been making use of tortillas and some sliced bread.

Bread is good for my other stomach issues and I have no trouble with it. I'm writing a shopping list now, gingerale is a great idea! Thank you for suggesting it! never occurred to me!

I might be able to do cashew butter but I have a peanut allergy. :eyes:

I'm not sure how long this will last. My doctor and I really didn't discuss the length yet. We weren't even sure it would help. We will be doing blood work on my next visit to see if it's causing any potential trouble for me, other than the day to day ickiness.

[housewolf]

36. How about almond butter?

Almonds are very nutritios, and fairly high in complete protein. Almonds are considered a superfood and are nutritionally superior to other nuts.

[Lucinda]

37. I couldn't tolerate the blanched nuts but may give the butter a try

I've been wondering about Almond milk too.
Thanks for the suggestion!

[housewolf]

41. Almond milk might be worth a try but you need to know

that they strain it in order to make it smooth & drinkable, and almost all of the protein goes with the strained-out almond meal. I don't know what other nutrients are strained out, so check the nutritional content if you're looking for nutrition.

[Lucinda]

42. Thanks for the tip!

Will do!

[The empressof all]

38. Look for sunflower butter

oMg. Is of the devil. Rofl. It's really really wonerful. Better than the other alternatives

[Lucinda]

43. Oooo...I love sunflower seeds. I bet the butter is killer.

I wont be able to find it locally though. Would have to make it or do an internet order...sounds goooood.

[The empressof all]

45. I get it at my local grocer or at Trader Joes

Look by the peanut butter you may find it. I'm sure you can order it on line though. I think there are a few brands. But this is the one I get at my grocer


http://sunbutter.com/

The crunchy one lasts only a few days here. I have to restrain myself not to buy it.

[KC]

31. I really didn't

believe it would help nausea but I bought some a month or so ago
and took it to work. ( I get sorta nauseated when stressed out) and
I ate some and my gosh, it really did help ! It's tasty too .

[Lucinda]

35. I'm really glad its helping you!

[beac]

39. You could also try those chewy ginger candies.

I actually prefer them to the crystallized stuff b/c they aren't as sugary-- or at least the sugar is blended in instead of a crunchy coating. Ginger People makes a good one and any asian market will carry at least one asian brand too.



http://www.gingerpeople.com/

[Lucinda]

40. I've never seen those before.

Thanks for the link :hi:

[trud]

44. Hmm, maybe regular old gingersnaps? n/t

[trud]

46. McCormick

The crystallized ginger I have is McCormick, so I'm guessing it is widely available.

Whole Paycheck has a cranberry (crystallized) ginger bread as a staple where live.

[pengillian101]

47. Sorry You aren't up to par.

Saltines (soda crackers) with 7-up always calms a queasy tummy.

:hi:

And then Campbell's chicken noodle soup - with more saltines - that should do ya!

Feel better soon!

(edit for spelling.)

[kestrel91316]

48. When my dad was on chemo (including methotrexate, IIRC) 30 years ago

he never had any trouble with nausea or his appetite. It was probably because he took to heart his MILITARY doctor's suggestion that he smoke a little MJ as needed.

If you haven't done so, please do consider it.

[The empressof all]

49. What a great idea!

If you haven't tried it...It will can make a world of difference!

[madmax]

51. I take methotrestrate, plaquenil, and Embrel

for RA plus a BP meds, Advil and few others.

Now, my GP wants me on a Gluten Free diet. I'm in the same mess you're in. I'm sick if I don't eat before I take the meds. Now all the good 'stick to your ribs' food are off limits. :(

Think I'll try MJ. Well, it won't kill me I'm a child of the 60's, then became the establishment back to my 'wild and crazy years' ;)

[northoftheborder]

50. have you tried Jello? that was always on our list of food as a child when...

....we were recuperating from stomach flu. It has protein, different flavors that are sort of tart.