Some patients may experience weight gain during hormone treatment due to metabolic alteration caused by androgen deprivation. Decreased physical activity may also be the cause of weight gain. Fatigue and tiredness may decrease daily physical activity.
When weight gain is not very significant or the specialist does not indicate otherwise, follow the same recommendations offered for maintaining a balanced diet during treatment and avoid following any type of exclusion or alternative diet that has not been prescribed as part of the oncological treatment.
WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?
The plate method ensures the intake of full meals while controlling the energy consumed.
Dividing the plate into three sections: half should always be based on vegetables, and the other half should be divided into two sections, so that one quarter can contain whole grains and the other quarter protein-based foods. With this method, we can prepare different types of dishes: single, combined, a first and second course, or a combination of small dishes.
In the form of salads, stews, purées, roasts, steamed, boiled, grilled or sautéed, or in preparations such as omelettes or soups. Mushrooms can also be used as vegetables. Avoid excessive seasoning with sauces or oil.
Potatoes, pasta, rice, or bread, among others, should be consumed in moderation and always by other food groups such as vegetables, mushrooms, fish, eggs… (See plate method above). Always choose wholemeal versions of starchy foods (if there are no contraindications).
Eggs, fish, seafood, meat, pulses and derivatives, nuts… Always choose the leanest versions (limit consumption of fatty meats and cold meats) and cook with simple and low-fat methods: baked in the oven, grilled, microwaved, en papillote, etc.
| Protein-rich foods | |
| Foods of animal origin |
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| Foods of vegetable origin |
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A maximum of three portions of fruit per day, limiting the consumption of juices and preferably having fruit as a dessert option.
Do not go over 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil per day (about 30-40 ml). Use a diffuser to pre-measure the amount of oil with the help of a syringe to help control and ration the recommended daily amount of oil.
Avoid having biscuits, chocolates, crisps, cold meats, juices, soft drinks, sweets, ice cream, etc. at home. If you do have some of these foods at home, try to keep them out of sight, as having them constantly visible can lead to snacking between meals and eating more.
Replace them with homemade ice cream recipes, and sugar-free ice cream.
To avoid second servings, try not to bring the cooking pot or saucepan to the table. Use small plates when eating, which gives a feeling of bigger portions and more quantity.
For the times when you feel the need to snack: fruit, carrots, herbal teas, low-fat homemade popcorn, whole-grain pancakes, low-fat yoghurt etc, are good options.
Skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, low-fat or skimmed yoghurts (unsweetened), low-fat fresh or soft cheeses (such as ricotta).
Establishing regular mealtimes helps to regulate appetite.
To avoid overeating, eat calmly, without any distractions, or with family and friends.
Daily weighing can lead to demotivation and obsession with weight. Only weigh yourself only once a week.