Cycle 4 - Salty Foods

My 4th cycle of chemo went very well. Aside from the normal nausea, and lack of appetite, I didn't have any major side effects at all. Forcing myself to drink lots of ginger water and getting up often to walk played a important role, but what really kept me going was knowing that my sister's birthday was coming up, and that and my boyfriend would be flying in from Houston. As much physical demand there is from undergoing chemo, there's a psychological aspect as well. Your mind is a extremely powerful tool, and it tells your body that you can keep going when you don't think you can.

One of the things that I've enjoyed lately is salt. I especially like Lawry's Seasoned Salt since it has no MSG and includes other herbs and spices (garlic, onion, paprika, turmeric). I use it in pretty much everything, and found that it enhances the flavor profile of foods. This is because salty is one of the five basic tastes that the tongue can distinguish. The other four are: sweet, sour, bitter, and umami (meatiness or savory taste). Normally, you don't want to have too much salt in your diet since it can raise your blood pressure. However, since I usually have low blood pressure, I don't have much to worry about.

Delicious!

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon (Courtesy of Rachel Ray)

• 3 slices bacon
• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 1 cup broth 
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Trim Brussel sprouts, leaving small sprouts left whole, and halving larger sprouts. 
2. Chop bacon slices in small pieces. Brown bacon in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate. 
3. In same pan with bacon fat, add Brussels spouts. Cook sprouts 2 to 3 minutes to begin to soften, then add broth. 
4. Cover skillet and reduce heat to medium low. Cook 10 minutes, or until sprouts are tender. 
5. Transfer sprouts to a serving dish with a slotted spoon and top with cooked bacon bits. 
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately. 

Chef's Note: For a vegetarian option, substitute bacon fat with extra-virgin olive oil, and use vegetable broth. 

Trimmed Brussel sprouts (left). Chopped up bacon slices (right). Brussel sprouts with bacon (below).