Meet the Team - Sally Poon
Maggie’s "Eating Well" programme, generously sponsored by Operation Santa Claus, was launched in April 2018. Our registered dietitian Ms. Sally Poon will offer useful nutrition advice and diet tips for anyone affected by cancer. Please read below interview of Sally to see what’s so special about the programme.
1. Tell us about the "Eating Well" programme at Maggie's. Who can find you for advice and when / where?
The "Eating Well" programme aims to provide professional nutrition advice to cancer patients of all stages, through one-on-one individual/ family sessions, drop-in Q&A sessions, "Maggie's Centre Health Kitchen" workshop, cooking demonstrations, and writing delicious and healthy cookbooks.
I am at the Maggie’s Centre every Thursday 9am to 6pm. Please approach our centre staff if you would like to make an appointment with me. I aim to provide practical dietary tips to patients and their caregivers to help them prepare healthy meals and lessen their worries about nutrition. There are so many nutrition myths that they don’t know what is true or wrong. I am here to give them the best evidence-based advice.
Very often cancer patients’ appetite is affected by treatment side effects. I can educate them what foods to prepare and how to ensure adequate nutritional intake during those difficult periods.
For cancer survivors, I can help them build a healthy eating habits and maintain a healthy weight in order to prevent the reoccurrence of cancer.
2. What can someone expect to happen during one of your nutritional consultations?
I will assess one’s medical conditions, body weight and diet, then provide my professional advice on how to improve the nutritional intakes. Initial one-on-one consultation will last approximately one hour per person/ family.
3. How would you describe your philosophy about the "Eating Well" programme ?
I firmly believe that foods should be enjoyable, diets should be sustainable, and food in balanced amounts is the best way to achieve optimal health.
4. What's one of the wackiest nutrition myths for cancer patients you've come across?
Fasting can starve cancer cells and make them die – which is totally non-sense. In fact, cancer patients require more energy and protein than usual to fight the disease. Please do not hesitate to ask me if you have any questions regarding nutrition. Don’t believe what’s on the internet as many information is not written by health care professionals and may not be evidence-based.
5. What's your comfort food / favourite snack?
I don’t use foods to comfort myself when I am stressed or upset. Instead, I will call a friend, take a bath, or talk a walk outside to balance my mood.
My favourite snack is ice-cream! I enjoy making ice-cream at home with fresh ingredients such as purple sweet potatoes, strawberries, cherries, green tea, etc. Having said that, I don’t have this every day in my life, I only eat that occasionally and that’s my secret to stay fit without quitting my favourite snack completely. Always remember: everything in moderation is the key to optimal health!