Since I lost so much weight earlier this year, I’m in a position currently where I actually need to gain weight, if at all possible, as I prepare to start chemo a week and a half from now.

Nuts of all kinds are a great way to get protein, and some studies indicate certain nuts may be particularly effective at suppressing growth of cancer cells. But, nuts can be difficult for rectal cancer patients like myself; everything we eat comes with an “exit cost” — especially as I just finished up radiation treatment, everything is very inflamed and sensitive around the location of my tumor.

So I have been opting for nut butters. I have been putting nut butter in oatmeal and smoothies. I actually tried making nut butter in a blender. I used a “paleo mix” (walnuts, macadamia, cashews), some more cashews, and even threw in some roasted lentils.

Before blending:

After blending:

It tastes pretty similar to the other nut butters I’ve tried (walnut, cashew). You can’t really taste the lentils. However, I don’t think I’ll be doing this again as the blender was really, really hard to clean afterwards. I think I’ve seen in some grocery stores, you can make nut butter there in the store. I’ll give that a try soon.

Anyhow. I’m having fun experimenting. I’ve had a very healthy diet over the past week — minimal sugar, minimal processed foods, a variety of fruits & vegetables every day, and healthy fats. And I am feeling great! Lunch today was avocado toast with minced raw garlic, and more of the couscous / cherry tomato leftovers mixed with avocado and arugula.