There is no one food or nutrient to prioritize during cancer treatment. Rather, a balanced diet with enough calories is essential for maintaining strength and reducing treatment side effects with cancer. Side effects of cancer treatment can make eating challenging. This seven-day meal plan provides an overview of the role of nutrition in cancer treatment and strategies for managing side effects. However, it is educational and not meant to replace your healthcare team’s guidance.
Why Nutrition Matters During Cancer Treatment
Good nutrition during cancer treatment helps you feel better and maintain strength, energy, and weight. Eating well may assist with better tolerating treatment-related side effects. A healthy diet and eating enough minimizes tissue breakdown.
Nutrition needs vary from person to person. Your care team will work with you to determine the right approach to eating. A registered dietitian can also support you, providing individually tailored recommendations to build strength and resist the effects of cancer and its treatment.
Key Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Patients
Focus on Protein: Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, and keeping the immune system healthy. When you don’t eat enough protein, your body may break down muscle, making it longer to recover from illness. It also reduces your resistance to infection.
Choose Whole Grains: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. Whole-grain carbohydrates offer more nutrition and benefits than their refined counterparts. Examples of whole grains include items made from whole wheat flour, farro, quinoa, barley, bulgar, amaranth, and brown rice. The fiber in whole grains removes food waste from the body, supports digestion and gut health, regulates bowel movements, and keeps blood sugar stable.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to reduce cell damage and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function. Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors to ensure you consume a range of nutrients.
Opt for Healthy Fats: Prioritize healthy fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Fats provide the body with energy, aid in hormone production, protect tissues, and carry vitamins throughout the body.
Stay Hydrated: All liquids—including anything that melts like ice cream, ice pops, and jello—count to your fluid goals.
Understanding Nutritional Needs During Treatment
Macronutrients: Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates
Protein: It is recommended to consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, this translates to roughly 68 to 102 grams of protein daily. Getting 100 grams of protein daily can be challenging, especially with changes to appetite and taste or other common side effects. A registered dietitian can discuss strategies for getting enough protein despite appetite changes.
Fats: Increasing your fat intake may be necessary to ensure you eat enough if you experience early fullness or trouble eating an entire meal. Additionally, adding more fat may help with significant weight loss. In particular, medium-chain triglycerides—a form of fat found in coconut oil, dairy, and palm kernel oil—may be easier to tolerate for people experiencing issues with digestion.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates, particularly fiber intake, may need to be adjusted for early satiety, gas and bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Consuming enough fiber—roughly 25 to 38 grams daily—and adequate water intake helps relieve constipation. Increasing soluble fiber (think oats, bananas, flax, and psyllium) and reducing insoluble fiber (think whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and cauliflower) thickens diarrhea.
Micronutrients:
Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals the body needs for energy, recovery, and health. Many vitamins and minerals are also antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and boost immune health.
Eating a balanced diet with sufficient calories provides plenty of vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare team may periodically check your nutrient levels for any deficiencies. Some medications or eating too little can trigger a nutrient deficiency.
Caloric Needs
Energy (calorie) needs fluctuate throughout cancer treatment. A registered dietitian can determine your calorie needs to maintain energy and muscle mass throughout treatment.
Foods to Limit for Food Safety
People experiencing cancer are immunosuppressed. Immunosuppression means you are at an increased risk of contracting illnesses, including food-borne illnesses.
Reduce or avoid the following foods to limit your chance of contracting serious illness:
Raw or undercooked eggs
Raw or undercooked poultry, meat, or seafood
Unpasteurized dairy products
Unwashed produce (fruits and vegetables)
Wash the tops of cans before opening
Foods that look or smell funky
Deli meats or deli foods
Custard-containing desserts and pastries
Practice good food handling, such as washing your hands before cooking and eating and using clean tools and cooking services. Cook food thoroughly and adhere to “sell-by” and “use-by” dates.
Research does not recommend a low-bacterial diet to prevent infection during cancer treatment. Only follow a low-bacterial diet if your healthcare provider suggests.
There is no one food or nutrient to prioritize during cancer treatment. Rather, a balanced diet with enough calories is essential for maintaining strength and reducing treatment side effects with cancer. Side effects of cancer treatment can make eating challenging. This seven-day meal plan provides an overview of the role of nutrition in cancer treatment and strategies for managing side effects. However, it is educational and not meant to replace your healthcare team’s guidance.
Why Nutrition Matters During Cancer Treatment
Good nutrition during cancer treatment helps you feel better and maintain strength, energy, and weight. Eating well may assist with better tolerating treatment-related side effects. A healthy diet and eating enough minimizes tissue breakdown.
Nutrition needs vary from person to person. Your care team will work with you to determine the right approach to eating. A registered dietitian can also support you, providing individually tailored recommendations to build strength and resist the effects of cancer and its treatment.
Key Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Patients
Focus on Protein: Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, and keeping the immune system healthy. When you don’t eat enough protein, your body may break down muscle, making it longer to recover from illness. It also reduces your resistance to infection.
Choose Whole Grains: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. Whole-grain carbohydrates offer more nutrition and benefits than their refined counterparts. Examples of whole grains include items made from whole wheat flour, farro, quinoa, barley, bulgar, amaranth, and brown rice. The fiber in whole grains removes food waste from the body, supports digestion and gut health, regulates bowel movements, and keeps blood sugar stable.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to reduce cell damage and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function. Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors to ensure you consume a range of nutrients.
Opt for Healthy Fats: Prioritize healthy fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Fats provide the body with energy, aid in hormone production, protect tissues, and carry vitamins throughout the body.
Stay Hydrated: All liquids—including anything that melts like ice cream, ice pops, and jello—count to your fluid goals.
Understanding Nutritional Needs During Treatment
Macronutrients: Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates
Protein: It is recommended to consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, this translates to roughly 68 to 102 grams of protein daily. Getting 100 grams of protein daily can be challenging, especially with changes to appetite and taste or other common side effects. A registered dietitian can discuss strategies for getting enough protein despite appetite changes.
Fats: Increasing your fat intake may be necessary to ensure you eat enough if you experience early fullness or trouble eating an entire meal. Additionally, adding more fat may help with significant weight loss. In particular, medium-chain triglycerides—a form of fat found in coconut oil, dairy, and palm kernel oil—may be easier to tolerate for people experiencing issues with digestion.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates, particularly fiber intake, may need to be adjusted for early satiety, gas and bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Consuming enough fiber—roughly 25 to 38 grams daily—and adequate water intake helps relieve constipation. Increasing soluble fiber (think oats, bananas, flax, and psyllium) and reducing insoluble fiber (think whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and cauliflower) thickens diarrhea.
Micronutrients:
Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals the body needs for energy, recovery, and health. Many vitamins and minerals are also antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and boost immune health.
Eating a balanced diet with sufficient calories provides plenty of vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare team may periodically check your nutrient levels for any deficiencies. Some medications or eating too little can trigger a nutrient deficiency.
Caloric Needs
Energy (calorie) needs fluctuate throughout cancer treatment. A registered dietitian can determine your calorie needs to maintain energy and muscle mass throughout treatment.
Foods to Limit for Food Safety
People experiencing cancer are immunosuppressed. Immunosuppression means you are at an increased risk of contracting illnesses, including food-borne illnesses.
Reduce or avoid the following foods to limit your chance of contracting serious illness:
Raw or undercooked eggs
Raw or undercooked poultry, meat, or seafood
Unpasteurized dairy products
Unwashed produce (fruits and vegetables)
Wash the tops of cans before opening
Foods that look or smell funky
Deli meats or deli foods
Custard-containing desserts and pastries
Practice good food handling, such as washing your hands before cooking and eating and using clean tools and cooking services. Cook food thoroughly and adhere to “sell-by” and “use-by” dates.
Research does not recommend a low-bacterial diet to prevent infection during cancer treatment. Only follow a low-bacterial diet if your healthcare provider suggests.
There is no one food or nutrient to prioritize during cancer treatment. Rather, a balanced diet with enough calories is essential for maintaining strength and reducing treatment side effects with cancer. Side effects of cancer treatment can make eating challenging. This seven-day meal plan provides an overview of the role of nutrition in cancer treatment and strategies for managing side effects. However, it is educational and not meant to replace your healthcare team’s guidance.
Why Nutrition Matters During Cancer Treatment
Good nutrition during cancer treatment helps you feel better and maintain strength, energy, and weight. Eating well may assist with better tolerating treatment-related side effects. A healthy diet and eating enough minimizes tissue breakdown.
Nutrition needs vary from person to person. Your care team will work with you to determine the right approach to eating. A registered dietitian can also support you, providing individually tailored recommendations to build strength and resist the effects of cancer and its treatment.
Key Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Patients
Focus on Protein: Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, and keeping the immune system healthy. When you don’t eat enough protein, your body may break down muscle, making it longer to recover from illness. It also reduces your resistance to infection.
Choose Whole Grains: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. Whole-grain carbohydrates offer more nutrition and benefits than their refined counterparts. Examples of whole grains include items made from whole wheat flour, farro, quinoa, barley, bulgar, amaranth, and brown rice. The fiber in whole grains removes food waste from the body, supports digestion and gut health, regulates bowel movements, and keeps blood sugar stable.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to reduce cell damage and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function. Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors to ensure you consume a range of nutrients.
Opt for Healthy Fats: Prioritize healthy fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Fats provide the body with energy, aid in hormone production, protect tissues, and carry vitamins throughout the body.
Stay Hydrated: All liquids—including anything that melts like ice cream, ice pops, and jello—count to your fluid goals.
Understanding Nutritional Needs During Treatment
Macronutrients: Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates
Protein: It is recommended to consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, this translates to roughly 68 to 102 grams of protein daily. Getting 100 grams of protein daily can be challenging, especially with changes to appetite and taste or other common side effects. A registered dietitian can discuss strategies for getting enough protein despite appetite changes.
Fats: Increasing your fat intake may be necessary to ensure you eat enough if you experience early fullness or trouble eating an entire meal. Additionally, adding more fat may help with significant weight loss. In particular, medium-chain triglycerides—a form of fat found in coconut oil, dairy, and palm kernel oil—may be easier to tolerate for people experiencing issues with digestion.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates, particularly fiber intake, may need to be adjusted for early satiety, gas and bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Consuming enough fiber—roughly 25 to 38 grams daily—and adequate water intake helps relieve constipation. Increasing soluble fiber (think oats, bananas, flax, and psyllium) and reducing insoluble fiber (think whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and cauliflower) thickens diarrhea.
Micronutrients:
Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals the body needs for energy, recovery, and health. Many vitamins and minerals are also antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and boost immune health.
Eating a balanced diet with sufficient calories provides plenty of vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare team may periodically check your nutrient levels for any deficiencies. Some medications or eating too little can trigger a nutrient deficiency.
Caloric Needs
Energy (calorie) needs fluctuate throughout cancer treatment. A registered dietitian can determine your calorie needs to maintain energy and muscle mass throughout treatment.
Foods to Limit for Food Safety
People experiencing cancer are immunosuppressed. Immunosuppression means you are at an increased risk of contracting illnesses, including food-borne illnesses.
Reduce or avoid the following foods to limit your chance of contracting serious illness:
Raw or undercooked eggs
Raw or undercooked poultry, meat, or seafood
Unpasteurized dairy products
Unwashed produce (fruits and vegetables)
Wash the tops of cans before opening
Foods that look or smell funky
Deli meats or deli foods
Custard-containing desserts and pastries
Practice good food handling, such as washing your hands before cooking and eating and using clean tools and cooking services. Cook food thoroughly and adhere to “sell-by” and “use-by” dates.
Research does not recommend a low-bacterial diet to prevent infection during cancer treatment. Only follow a low-bacterial diet if your healthcare provider suggests.
There is no one food or nutrient to prioritize during cancer treatment. Rather, a balanced diet with enough calories is essential for maintaining strength and reducing treatment side effects with cancer. Side effects of cancer treatment can make eating challenging. This seven-day meal plan provides an overview of the role of nutrition in cancer treatment and strategies for managing side effects. However, it is educational and not meant to replace your healthcare team’s guidance.
Why Nutrition Matters During Cancer Treatment
Good nutrition during cancer treatment helps you feel better and maintain strength, energy, and weight. Eating well may assist with better tolerating treatment-related side effects. A healthy diet and eating enough minimizes tissue breakdown.
Nutrition needs vary from person to person. Your care team will work with you to determine the right approach to eating. A registered dietitian can also support you, providing individually tailored recommendations to build strength and resist the effects of cancer and its treatment.
Key Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Patients
Focus on Protein: Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, and keeping the immune system healthy. When you don’t eat enough protein, your body may break down muscle, making it longer to recover from illness. It also reduces your resistance to infection.
Choose Whole Grains: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. Whole-grain carbohydrates offer more nutrition and benefits than their refined counterparts. Examples of whole grains include items made from whole wheat flour, farro, quinoa, barley, bulgar, amaranth, and brown rice. The fiber in whole grains removes food waste from the body, supports digestion and gut health, regulates bowel movements, and keeps blood sugar stable.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to reduce cell damage and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function. Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors to ensure you consume a range of nutrients.
Opt for Healthy Fats: Prioritize healthy fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Fats provide the body with energy, aid in hormone production, protect tissues, and carry vitamins throughout the body.
Stay Hydrated: All liquids—including anything that melts like ice cream, ice pops, and jello—count to your fluid goals.
Understanding Nutritional Needs During Treatment
Macronutrients: Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates
Protein: It is recommended to consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, this translates to roughly 68 to 102 grams of protein daily. Getting 100 grams of protein daily can be challenging, especially with changes to appetite and taste or other common side effects. A registered dietitian can discuss strategies for getting enough protein despite appetite changes.
Fats: Increasing your fat intake may be necessary to ensure you eat enough if you experience early fullness or trouble eating an entire meal. Additionally, adding more fat may help with significant weight loss. In particular, medium-chain triglycerides—a form of fat found in coconut oil, dairy, and palm kernel oil—may be easier to tolerate for people experiencing issues with digestion.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates, particularly fiber intake, may need to be adjusted for early satiety, gas and bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Consuming enough fiber—roughly 25 to 38 grams daily—and adequate water intake helps relieve constipation. Increasing soluble fiber (think oats, bananas, flax, and psyllium) and reducing insoluble fiber (think whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and cauliflower) thickens diarrhea.
Micronutrients:
Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals the body needs for energy, recovery, and health. Many vitamins and minerals are also antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and boost immune health.
Eating a balanced diet with sufficient calories provides plenty of vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare team may periodically check your nutrient levels for any deficiencies. Some medications or eating too little can trigger a nutrient deficiency.
Caloric Needs
Energy (calorie) needs fluctuate throughout cancer treatment. A registered dietitian can determine your calorie needs to maintain energy and muscle mass throughout treatment.
Foods to Limit for Food Safety
People experiencing cancer are immunosuppressed. Immunosuppression means you are at an increased risk of contracting illnesses, including food-borne illnesses.
Reduce or avoid the following foods to limit your chance of contracting serious illness:
Raw or undercooked eggs
Raw or undercooked poultry, meat, or seafood
Unpasteurized dairy products
Unwashed produce (fruits and vegetables)
Wash the tops of cans before opening
Foods that look or smell funky
Deli meats or deli foods
Custard-containing desserts and pastries
Practice good food handling, such as washing your hands before cooking and eating and using clean tools and cooking services. Cook food thoroughly and adhere to “sell-by” and “use-by” dates.
Research does not recommend a low-bacterial diet to prevent infection during cancer treatment. Only follow a low-bacterial diet if your healthcare provider suggests.
There is no one food or nutrient to prioritize during cancer treatment. Rather, a balanced diet with enough calories is essential for maintaining strength and reducing treatment side effects with cancer. Side effects of cancer treatment can make eating challenging. This seven-day meal plan provides an overview of the role of nutrition in cancer treatment and strategies for managing side effects. However, it is educational and not meant to replace your healthcare team’s guidance.
Why Nutrition Matters During Cancer Treatment
Good nutrition during cancer treatment helps you feel better and maintain strength, energy, and weight. Eating well may assist with better tolerating treatment-related side effects. A healthy diet and eating enough minimizes tissue breakdown.
Nutrition needs vary from person to person. Your care team will work with you to determine the right approach to eating. A registered dietitian can also support you, providing individually tailored recommendations to build strength and resist the effects of cancer and its treatment.
Key Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Patients
Focus on Protein: Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, and keeping the immune system healthy. When you don’t eat enough protein, your body may break down muscle, making it longer to recover from illness. It also reduces your resistance to infection.
Choose Whole Grains: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. Whole-grain carbohydrates offer more nutrition and benefits than their refined counterparts. Examples of whole grains include items made from whole wheat flour, farro, quinoa, barley, bulgar, amaranth, and brown rice. The fiber in whole grains removes food waste from the body, supports digestion and gut health, regulates bowel movements, and keeps blood sugar stable.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to reduce cell damage and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function. Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors to ensure you consume a range of nutrients.
Opt for Healthy Fats: Prioritize healthy fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Fats provide the body with energy, aid in hormone production, protect tissues, and carry vitamins throughout the body.
Stay Hydrated: All liquids—including anything that melts like ice cream, ice pops, and jello—count to your fluid goals.
Understanding Nutritional Needs During Treatment
Macronutrients: Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates
Protein: It is recommended to consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, this translates to roughly 68 to 102 grams of protein daily. Getting 100 grams of protein daily can be challenging, especially with changes to appetite and taste or other common side effects. A registered dietitian can discuss strategies for getting enough protein despite appetite changes.
Fats: Increasing your fat intake may be necessary to ensure you eat enough if you experience early fullness or trouble eating an entire meal. Additionally, adding more fat may help with significant weight loss. In particular, medium-chain triglycerides—a form of fat found in coconut oil, dairy, and palm kernel oil—may be easier to tolerate for people experiencing issues with digestion.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates, particularly fiber intake, may need to be adjusted for early satiety, gas and bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Consuming enough fiber—roughly 25 to 38 grams daily—and adequate water intake helps relieve constipation. Increasing soluble fiber (think oats, bananas, flax, and psyllium) and reducing insoluble fiber (think whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and cauliflower) thickens diarrhea.
Micronutrients:
Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals the body needs for energy, recovery, and health. Many vitamins and minerals are also antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and boost immune health.
Eating a balanced diet with sufficient calories provides plenty of vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare team may periodically check your nutrient levels for any deficiencies. Some medications or eating too little can trigger a nutrient deficiency.
Caloric Needs
Energy (calorie) needs fluctuate throughout cancer treatment. A registered dietitian can determine your calorie needs to maintain energy and muscle mass throughout treatment.
Foods to Limit for Food Safety
People experiencing cancer are immunosuppressed. Immunosuppression means you are at an increased risk of contracting illnesses, including food-borne illnesses.
Reduce or avoid the following foods to limit your chance of contracting serious illness:
Raw or undercooked eggs
Raw or undercooked poultry, meat, or seafood
Unpasteurized dairy products
Unwashed produce (fruits and vegetables)
Wash the tops of cans before opening
Foods that look or smell funky
Deli meats or deli foods
Custard-containing desserts and pastries
Practice good food handling, such as washing your hands before cooking and eating and using clean tools and cooking services. Cook food thoroughly and adhere to “sell-by” and “use-by” dates.
Research does not recommend a low-bacterial diet to prevent infection during cancer treatment. Only follow a low-bacterial diet if your healthcare provider suggests.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Staying Hydrated (& Why It Matters)
Staying hydrated is important to protect your organs from long-term damage from treatment. Severe dehydration prevents the body from working properly.
Oral side effects of treatment affect fluid intake. Fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal losses also contribute to the risk of underhydration.
Your fluid needs will be individualized. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the cause of any dehydration. Signs of dehydration include:
Thirst
Dizziness or weakness
Dry mouths, lips, or a swollen, cracked, or dry tongue
Dry skin
Headache
Dark urine or reduced urine production
Sunken eyeballs
Your healthcare team will provide suggestions to help you get enough fluids and remain hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions may be necessary to replace lost fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required.
Special Considerations for Common Side Effects
Nutrition is one approach for managing common side effects. However, your whole healthcare team should be aware of your side effects and work together to establish the best system for managing these symptoms.
Nausea
Nausea is a significant symptom that may lead to vomiting in some cases. Nausea affects appetite and eating. Talk with your healthcare provider about anti-nausea (antiemetic) medications.
Prioritize low-fat foods, which move through the digestive system more quickly. Limit any strong-smelling foods that may trigger vomiting. Ginger tea, sipping on liquids, and plain crackers may also help with nausea.
Mouth Sores
Many people receiving chemotherapy may experience mouth sores. Individuals undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer are highly likely to experience this side effect. Mouth sores make eating challenging. Foods should be selected based on tolerance and to limit pain.
Incorporate the following strategies to help with mouth sores:
Prioritize high-calorie and high-protein foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, and tofu.
Avoid acidic and spicy foods and alcohol
Opt for foods at a moderate temperature
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Experiment with the following strategies to help with eating.
Focus on small, frequent, high- calorie foods and liquids
Incorporate high-calorie nutrition shakes
Create an eating schedule instead of relying on hunger cues
Limit stress at mealtimes
Use easy-to-prepare meals and snacks
Exercise can stimulate appetite. Incorporate gentle movement as you’re able.
Discuss appetite-stimulating medications with your healthcare team
Limiting weight loss is important for cancer treatment, as significant weight loss is associated with more adverse outcomes.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Focus on small, frequent meals and snacks for energy and to help with fatigue. Use ready-made foods that require minimal preparation. Keep snacks within arm’s reach to minimize any extra energy use.
Taste Changes
Changes in taste are common and can be attributed to various factors. Some people experience no taste, others report a metallic taste. Caffeinated foods and drinks, chocolate, red meat, and citrus are among the most common food aversions.
Some strategies to help with eating despite taste changes include:
Adding sour, lemon, or salt to decrease the sweetness of foods
Marinating meats in fruit juice to mask a bitter taste
Using plastic utensils instead of metal to reduce a metallic taste
Focus on small, frequent meals
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan
Day 1:
Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries and a tablespoon of flaxseeds.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Greek yogurt with honey and a handful of almonds.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond butter, and almond milk.
Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread.
Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice.
Snacks: Carrot sticks with hummus; apple slices.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Oatmeal cooked with milk (or fortified plant milk) and topped with banana slices and a spoonful of almond or peanut butter.
Lunch: Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Crackers
Dinner: Baked Salmon, Mashed Sweet Potato, and Steamed Green Beans
Snack: Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries
Day 4:
Breakfast: Avocado and egg on toast
Lunch: Carrot-ginger soup. Use a broth base and a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra calories if tolerated.
Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with rice
Snack: Banana peanut butter smoothie
Day 5:
Breakfast: Cinnamon French toast with banana
Lunch: Chicken and rice congee. A rice porridge made by cooking white rice in plenty of broth until it breaks down into a creamy, soupy consistency.
Dinner: Turkey and spinach pasta
Snack: Cottage cheese with soft fruit
Day 6:
Breakfast: Overnight oats with blueberries and honey
Lunch: Egg salad sandwich
Dinner: Hearty beef stew
Snack: Applesauce with cinnamon
Day 7:
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat cereal with banana
Lunch: Baked sweet potato stuffed with shredded chicken
Dinner: Mild lentil and vegetable stew
Snack: Frozen fruit popsicle
FAQs
What is a suitable meal plan for cancer patients?
There is no one meal plan for cancer patients. Instead, meals should be individually tailored to ensure you eat despite side effects.
How can nutrition help cancer patients?
A balanced diet with enough calories provides energy to help you maintain strength and recover from cancer treatment. Nutrition is not a cure, but it can help.
Can cancer patients take supplements?
Aim to get nutrients from food instead of supplements. Sometimes, a multivitamin may be helpful to meet nutritional needs. Look for multivitamins with nutrients that do not exceed 100% of the Daily Value (DV).
Although tempting for easing side effects or boosting nutrition, many supplements interact with cancer medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Conclusion: Gentle Nutrition for Strength & Healing
A healthy diet provides you with strength during cancer treatment to prevent your body from breaking down and help you recover. Eating sufficient calories, protein, and colorful fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to function. A registered dietitian can help you navigate side effects that impact your appetite. Easy meals and support from friends and family are vital for success with healthy eating during cancer treatment.
A well-balanced diet is essential for cancer patients to support treatment and recovery. Need expert guidance? Click here to connect with a dietitian today!
Staying Hydrated (& Why It Matters)
Staying hydrated is important to protect your organs from long-term damage from treatment. Severe dehydration prevents the body from working properly.
Oral side effects of treatment affect fluid intake. Fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal losses also contribute to the risk of underhydration.
Your fluid needs will be individualized. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the cause of any dehydration. Signs of dehydration include:
Thirst
Dizziness or weakness
Dry mouths, lips, or a swollen, cracked, or dry tongue
Dry skin
Headache
Dark urine or reduced urine production
Sunken eyeballs
Your healthcare team will provide suggestions to help you get enough fluids and remain hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions may be necessary to replace lost fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required.
Special Considerations for Common Side Effects
Nutrition is one approach for managing common side effects. However, your whole healthcare team should be aware of your side effects and work together to establish the best system for managing these symptoms.
Nausea
Nausea is a significant symptom that may lead to vomiting in some cases. Nausea affects appetite and eating. Talk with your healthcare provider about anti-nausea (antiemetic) medications.
Prioritize low-fat foods, which move through the digestive system more quickly. Limit any strong-smelling foods that may trigger vomiting. Ginger tea, sipping on liquids, and plain crackers may also help with nausea.
Mouth Sores
Many people receiving chemotherapy may experience mouth sores. Individuals undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer are highly likely to experience this side effect. Mouth sores make eating challenging. Foods should be selected based on tolerance and to limit pain.
Incorporate the following strategies to help with mouth sores:
Prioritize high-calorie and high-protein foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, and tofu.
Avoid acidic and spicy foods and alcohol
Opt for foods at a moderate temperature
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Experiment with the following strategies to help with eating.
Focus on small, frequent, high- calorie foods and liquids
Incorporate high-calorie nutrition shakes
Create an eating schedule instead of relying on hunger cues
Limit stress at mealtimes
Use easy-to-prepare meals and snacks
Exercise can stimulate appetite. Incorporate gentle movement as you’re able.
Discuss appetite-stimulating medications with your healthcare team
Limiting weight loss is important for cancer treatment, as significant weight loss is associated with more adverse outcomes.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Focus on small, frequent meals and snacks for energy and to help with fatigue. Use ready-made foods that require minimal preparation. Keep snacks within arm’s reach to minimize any extra energy use.
Taste Changes
Changes in taste are common and can be attributed to various factors. Some people experience no taste, others report a metallic taste. Caffeinated foods and drinks, chocolate, red meat, and citrus are among the most common food aversions.
Some strategies to help with eating despite taste changes include:
Adding sour, lemon, or salt to decrease the sweetness of foods
Marinating meats in fruit juice to mask a bitter taste
Using plastic utensils instead of metal to reduce a metallic taste
Focus on small, frequent meals
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan
Day 1:
Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries and a tablespoon of flaxseeds.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Greek yogurt with honey and a handful of almonds.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond butter, and almond milk.
Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread.
Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice.
Snacks: Carrot sticks with hummus; apple slices.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Oatmeal cooked with milk (or fortified plant milk) and topped with banana slices and a spoonful of almond or peanut butter.
Lunch: Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Crackers
Dinner: Baked Salmon, Mashed Sweet Potato, and Steamed Green Beans
Snack: Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries
Day 4:
Breakfast: Avocado and egg on toast
Lunch: Carrot-ginger soup. Use a broth base and a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra calories if tolerated.
Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with rice
Snack: Banana peanut butter smoothie
Day 5:
Breakfast: Cinnamon French toast with banana
Lunch: Chicken and rice congee. A rice porridge made by cooking white rice in plenty of broth until it breaks down into a creamy, soupy consistency.
Dinner: Turkey and spinach pasta
Snack: Cottage cheese with soft fruit
Day 6:
Breakfast: Overnight oats with blueberries and honey
Lunch: Egg salad sandwich
Dinner: Hearty beef stew
Snack: Applesauce with cinnamon
Day 7:
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat cereal with banana
Lunch: Baked sweet potato stuffed with shredded chicken
Dinner: Mild lentil and vegetable stew
Snack: Frozen fruit popsicle
FAQs
What is a suitable meal plan for cancer patients?
There is no one meal plan for cancer patients. Instead, meals should be individually tailored to ensure you eat despite side effects.
How can nutrition help cancer patients?
A balanced diet with enough calories provides energy to help you maintain strength and recover from cancer treatment. Nutrition is not a cure, but it can help.
Can cancer patients take supplements?
Aim to get nutrients from food instead of supplements. Sometimes, a multivitamin may be helpful to meet nutritional needs. Look for multivitamins with nutrients that do not exceed 100% of the Daily Value (DV).
Although tempting for easing side effects or boosting nutrition, many supplements interact with cancer medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Conclusion: Gentle Nutrition for Strength & Healing
A healthy diet provides you with strength during cancer treatment to prevent your body from breaking down and help you recover. Eating sufficient calories, protein, and colorful fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to function. A registered dietitian can help you navigate side effects that impact your appetite. Easy meals and support from friends and family are vital for success with healthy eating during cancer treatment.
A well-balanced diet is essential for cancer patients to support treatment and recovery. Need expert guidance? Click here to connect with a dietitian today!
Staying Hydrated (& Why It Matters)
Staying hydrated is important to protect your organs from long-term damage from treatment. Severe dehydration prevents the body from working properly.
Oral side effects of treatment affect fluid intake. Fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal losses also contribute to the risk of underhydration.
Your fluid needs will be individualized. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the cause of any dehydration. Signs of dehydration include:
Thirst
Dizziness or weakness
Dry mouths, lips, or a swollen, cracked, or dry tongue
Dry skin
Headache
Dark urine or reduced urine production
Sunken eyeballs
Your healthcare team will provide suggestions to help you get enough fluids and remain hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions may be necessary to replace lost fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required.
Special Considerations for Common Side Effects
Nutrition is one approach for managing common side effects. However, your whole healthcare team should be aware of your side effects and work together to establish the best system for managing these symptoms.
Nausea
Nausea is a significant symptom that may lead to vomiting in some cases. Nausea affects appetite and eating. Talk with your healthcare provider about anti-nausea (antiemetic) medications.
Prioritize low-fat foods, which move through the digestive system more quickly. Limit any strong-smelling foods that may trigger vomiting. Ginger tea, sipping on liquids, and plain crackers may also help with nausea.
Mouth Sores
Many people receiving chemotherapy may experience mouth sores. Individuals undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer are highly likely to experience this side effect. Mouth sores make eating challenging. Foods should be selected based on tolerance and to limit pain.
Incorporate the following strategies to help with mouth sores:
Prioritize high-calorie and high-protein foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, and tofu.
Avoid acidic and spicy foods and alcohol
Opt for foods at a moderate temperature
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Experiment with the following strategies to help with eating.
Focus on small, frequent, high- calorie foods and liquids
Incorporate high-calorie nutrition shakes
Create an eating schedule instead of relying on hunger cues
Limit stress at mealtimes
Use easy-to-prepare meals and snacks
Exercise can stimulate appetite. Incorporate gentle movement as you’re able.
Discuss appetite-stimulating medications with your healthcare team
Limiting weight loss is important for cancer treatment, as significant weight loss is associated with more adverse outcomes.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Focus on small, frequent meals and snacks for energy and to help with fatigue. Use ready-made foods that require minimal preparation. Keep snacks within arm’s reach to minimize any extra energy use.
Taste Changes
Changes in taste are common and can be attributed to various factors. Some people experience no taste, others report a metallic taste. Caffeinated foods and drinks, chocolate, red meat, and citrus are among the most common food aversions.
Some strategies to help with eating despite taste changes include:
Adding sour, lemon, or salt to decrease the sweetness of foods
Marinating meats in fruit juice to mask a bitter taste
Using plastic utensils instead of metal to reduce a metallic taste
Focus on small, frequent meals
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan
Day 1:
Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries and a tablespoon of flaxseeds.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Greek yogurt with honey and a handful of almonds.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond butter, and almond milk.
Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread.
Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice.
Snacks: Carrot sticks with hummus; apple slices.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Oatmeal cooked with milk (or fortified plant milk) and topped with banana slices and a spoonful of almond or peanut butter.
Lunch: Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Crackers
Dinner: Baked Salmon, Mashed Sweet Potato, and Steamed Green Beans
Snack: Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries
Day 4:
Breakfast: Avocado and egg on toast
Lunch: Carrot-ginger soup. Use a broth base and a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra calories if tolerated.
Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with rice
Snack: Banana peanut butter smoothie
Day 5:
Breakfast: Cinnamon French toast with banana
Lunch: Chicken and rice congee. A rice porridge made by cooking white rice in plenty of broth until it breaks down into a creamy, soupy consistency.
Dinner: Turkey and spinach pasta
Snack: Cottage cheese with soft fruit
Day 6:
Breakfast: Overnight oats with blueberries and honey
Lunch: Egg salad sandwich
Dinner: Hearty beef stew
Snack: Applesauce with cinnamon
Day 7:
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat cereal with banana
Lunch: Baked sweet potato stuffed with shredded chicken
Dinner: Mild lentil and vegetable stew
Snack: Frozen fruit popsicle
FAQs
What is a suitable meal plan for cancer patients?
There is no one meal plan for cancer patients. Instead, meals should be individually tailored to ensure you eat despite side effects.
How can nutrition help cancer patients?
A balanced diet with enough calories provides energy to help you maintain strength and recover from cancer treatment. Nutrition is not a cure, but it can help.
Can cancer patients take supplements?
Aim to get nutrients from food instead of supplements. Sometimes, a multivitamin may be helpful to meet nutritional needs. Look for multivitamins with nutrients that do not exceed 100% of the Daily Value (DV).
Although tempting for easing side effects or boosting nutrition, many supplements interact with cancer medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Conclusion: Gentle Nutrition for Strength & Healing
A healthy diet provides you with strength during cancer treatment to prevent your body from breaking down and help you recover. Eating sufficient calories, protein, and colorful fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to function. A registered dietitian can help you navigate side effects that impact your appetite. Easy meals and support from friends and family are vital for success with healthy eating during cancer treatment.
A well-balanced diet is essential for cancer patients to support treatment and recovery. Need expert guidance? Click here to connect with a dietitian today!
Staying Hydrated (& Why It Matters)
Staying hydrated is important to protect your organs from long-term damage from treatment. Severe dehydration prevents the body from working properly.
Oral side effects of treatment affect fluid intake. Fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal losses also contribute to the risk of underhydration.
Your fluid needs will be individualized. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the cause of any dehydration. Signs of dehydration include:
Thirst
Dizziness or weakness
Dry mouths, lips, or a swollen, cracked, or dry tongue
Dry skin
Headache
Dark urine or reduced urine production
Sunken eyeballs
Your healthcare team will provide suggestions to help you get enough fluids and remain hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions may be necessary to replace lost fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required.
Special Considerations for Common Side Effects
Nutrition is one approach for managing common side effects. However, your whole healthcare team should be aware of your side effects and work together to establish the best system for managing these symptoms.
Nausea
Nausea is a significant symptom that may lead to vomiting in some cases. Nausea affects appetite and eating. Talk with your healthcare provider about anti-nausea (antiemetic) medications.
Prioritize low-fat foods, which move through the digestive system more quickly. Limit any strong-smelling foods that may trigger vomiting. Ginger tea, sipping on liquids, and plain crackers may also help with nausea.
Mouth Sores
Many people receiving chemotherapy may experience mouth sores. Individuals undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer are highly likely to experience this side effect. Mouth sores make eating challenging. Foods should be selected based on tolerance and to limit pain.
Incorporate the following strategies to help with mouth sores:
Prioritize high-calorie and high-protein foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, and tofu.
Avoid acidic and spicy foods and alcohol
Opt for foods at a moderate temperature
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Experiment with the following strategies to help with eating.
Focus on small, frequent, high- calorie foods and liquids
Incorporate high-calorie nutrition shakes
Create an eating schedule instead of relying on hunger cues
Limit stress at mealtimes
Use easy-to-prepare meals and snacks
Exercise can stimulate appetite. Incorporate gentle movement as you’re able.
Discuss appetite-stimulating medications with your healthcare team
Limiting weight loss is important for cancer treatment, as significant weight loss is associated with more adverse outcomes.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Focus on small, frequent meals and snacks for energy and to help with fatigue. Use ready-made foods that require minimal preparation. Keep snacks within arm’s reach to minimize any extra energy use.
Taste Changes
Changes in taste are common and can be attributed to various factors. Some people experience no taste, others report a metallic taste. Caffeinated foods and drinks, chocolate, red meat, and citrus are among the most common food aversions.
Some strategies to help with eating despite taste changes include:
Adding sour, lemon, or salt to decrease the sweetness of foods
Marinating meats in fruit juice to mask a bitter taste
Using plastic utensils instead of metal to reduce a metallic taste
Focus on small, frequent meals
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan
Day 1:
Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries and a tablespoon of flaxseeds.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Greek yogurt with honey and a handful of almonds.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond butter, and almond milk.
Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread.
Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice.
Snacks: Carrot sticks with hummus; apple slices.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Oatmeal cooked with milk (or fortified plant milk) and topped with banana slices and a spoonful of almond or peanut butter.
Lunch: Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Crackers
Dinner: Baked Salmon, Mashed Sweet Potato, and Steamed Green Beans
Snack: Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries
Day 4:
Breakfast: Avocado and egg on toast
Lunch: Carrot-ginger soup. Use a broth base and a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra calories if tolerated.
Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with rice
Snack: Banana peanut butter smoothie
Day 5:
Breakfast: Cinnamon French toast with banana
Lunch: Chicken and rice congee. A rice porridge made by cooking white rice in plenty of broth until it breaks down into a creamy, soupy consistency.
Dinner: Turkey and spinach pasta
Snack: Cottage cheese with soft fruit
Day 6:
Breakfast: Overnight oats with blueberries and honey
Lunch: Egg salad sandwich
Dinner: Hearty beef stew
Snack: Applesauce with cinnamon
Day 7:
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat cereal with banana
Lunch: Baked sweet potato stuffed with shredded chicken
Dinner: Mild lentil and vegetable stew
Snack: Frozen fruit popsicle
FAQs
What is a suitable meal plan for cancer patients?
There is no one meal plan for cancer patients. Instead, meals should be individually tailored to ensure you eat despite side effects.
How can nutrition help cancer patients?
A balanced diet with enough calories provides energy to help you maintain strength and recover from cancer treatment. Nutrition is not a cure, but it can help.
Can cancer patients take supplements?
Aim to get nutrients from food instead of supplements. Sometimes, a multivitamin may be helpful to meet nutritional needs. Look for multivitamins with nutrients that do not exceed 100% of the Daily Value (DV).
Although tempting for easing side effects or boosting nutrition, many supplements interact with cancer medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Conclusion: Gentle Nutrition for Strength & Healing
A healthy diet provides you with strength during cancer treatment to prevent your body from breaking down and help you recover. Eating sufficient calories, protein, and colorful fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to function. A registered dietitian can help you navigate side effects that impact your appetite. Easy meals and support from friends and family are vital for success with healthy eating during cancer treatment.
A well-balanced diet is essential for cancer patients to support treatment and recovery. Need expert guidance? Click here to connect with a dietitian today!
Staying Hydrated (& Why It Matters)
Staying hydrated is important to protect your organs from long-term damage from treatment. Severe dehydration prevents the body from working properly.
Oral side effects of treatment affect fluid intake. Fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal losses also contribute to the risk of underhydration.
Your fluid needs will be individualized. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the cause of any dehydration. Signs of dehydration include:
Thirst
Dizziness or weakness
Dry mouths, lips, or a swollen, cracked, or dry tongue
Dry skin
Headache
Dark urine or reduced urine production
Sunken eyeballs
Your healthcare team will provide suggestions to help you get enough fluids and remain hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions may be necessary to replace lost fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required.
Special Considerations for Common Side Effects
Nutrition is one approach for managing common side effects. However, your whole healthcare team should be aware of your side effects and work together to establish the best system for managing these symptoms.
Nausea
Nausea is a significant symptom that may lead to vomiting in some cases. Nausea affects appetite and eating. Talk with your healthcare provider about anti-nausea (antiemetic) medications.
Prioritize low-fat foods, which move through the digestive system more quickly. Limit any strong-smelling foods that may trigger vomiting. Ginger tea, sipping on liquids, and plain crackers may also help with nausea.
Mouth Sores
Many people receiving chemotherapy may experience mouth sores. Individuals undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer are highly likely to experience this side effect. Mouth sores make eating challenging. Foods should be selected based on tolerance and to limit pain.
Incorporate the following strategies to help with mouth sores:
Prioritize high-calorie and high-protein foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, and tofu.
Avoid acidic and spicy foods and alcohol
Opt for foods at a moderate temperature
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Experiment with the following strategies to help with eating.
Focus on small, frequent, high- calorie foods and liquids
Incorporate high-calorie nutrition shakes
Create an eating schedule instead of relying on hunger cues
Limit stress at mealtimes
Use easy-to-prepare meals and snacks
Exercise can stimulate appetite. Incorporate gentle movement as you’re able.
Discuss appetite-stimulating medications with your healthcare team
Limiting weight loss is important for cancer treatment, as significant weight loss is associated with more adverse outcomes.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Focus on small, frequent meals and snacks for energy and to help with fatigue. Use ready-made foods that require minimal preparation. Keep snacks within arm’s reach to minimize any extra energy use.
Taste Changes
Changes in taste are common and can be attributed to various factors. Some people experience no taste, others report a metallic taste. Caffeinated foods and drinks, chocolate, red meat, and citrus are among the most common food aversions.
Some strategies to help with eating despite taste changes include:
Adding sour, lemon, or salt to decrease the sweetness of foods
Marinating meats in fruit juice to mask a bitter taste
Using plastic utensils instead of metal to reduce a metallic taste
Focus on small, frequent meals
Sample 7-Day Meal Plan
Day 1:
Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries and a tablespoon of flaxseeds.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Greek yogurt with honey and a handful of almonds.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond butter, and almond milk.
Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread.
Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice.
Snacks: Carrot sticks with hummus; apple slices.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Oatmeal cooked with milk (or fortified plant milk) and topped with banana slices and a spoonful of almond or peanut butter.
Lunch: Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Crackers
Dinner: Baked Salmon, Mashed Sweet Potato, and Steamed Green Beans
Snack: Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries
Day 4:
Breakfast: Avocado and egg on toast
Lunch: Carrot-ginger soup. Use a broth base and a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra calories if tolerated.
Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with rice
Snack: Banana peanut butter smoothie
Day 5:
Breakfast: Cinnamon French toast with banana
Lunch: Chicken and rice congee. A rice porridge made by cooking white rice in plenty of broth until it breaks down into a creamy, soupy consistency.
Dinner: Turkey and spinach pasta
Snack: Cottage cheese with soft fruit
Day 6:
Breakfast: Overnight oats with blueberries and honey
Lunch: Egg salad sandwich
Dinner: Hearty beef stew
Snack: Applesauce with cinnamon
Day 7:
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat cereal with banana
Lunch: Baked sweet potato stuffed with shredded chicken
Dinner: Mild lentil and vegetable stew
Snack: Frozen fruit popsicle
FAQs
What is a suitable meal plan for cancer patients?
There is no one meal plan for cancer patients. Instead, meals should be individually tailored to ensure you eat despite side effects.
How can nutrition help cancer patients?
A balanced diet with enough calories provides energy to help you maintain strength and recover from cancer treatment. Nutrition is not a cure, but it can help.
Can cancer patients take supplements?
Aim to get nutrients from food instead of supplements. Sometimes, a multivitamin may be helpful to meet nutritional needs. Look for multivitamins with nutrients that do not exceed 100% of the Daily Value (DV).
Although tempting for easing side effects or boosting nutrition, many supplements interact with cancer medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Conclusion: Gentle Nutrition for Strength & Healing
A healthy diet provides you with strength during cancer treatment to prevent your body from breaking down and help you recover. Eating sufficient calories, protein, and colorful fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to function. A registered dietitian can help you navigate side effects that impact your appetite. Easy meals and support from friends and family are vital for success with healthy eating during cancer treatment.
A well-balanced diet is essential for cancer patients to support treatment and recovery. Need expert guidance? Click here to connect with a dietitian today!
