🥗 Eating Well During Cancer Treatment: A Brief Patient Guide

Good nutrition is one of the most important parts of supporting your body during cancer care. Eating the right foods can help you maintain strength, improve energy, support your immune system, and better manage treatment side effects.

This guide offers easy tips to help you nourish your body, even when you don’t feel your best.

💡 Why Nutrition Matters During Cancer Treatment

Helps maintain muscle and body weight
Supports your body’s ability to heal and fight infection
Improves energy and strength
Can help reduce or manage side effects like fatigue, nausea, or taste changes
Supports overall wellness throughout treatment and into recovery

💬 Eating well isn’t about perfection — it’s about doing the best you can, one meal or snack at a time.

🥦 What to Eat: Build a Balanced Plate

Try to include a variety of foods from these groups:

✅ Protein

Supports healing and muscle strength

Examples: chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, beans, tofu, nut butters

✅ Healthy Carbohydrates

Provide energy for daily activities

Whole grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, oats, quinoa

✅ Fats for Energy & Nutrient Absorption

Olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, nut butters

✅ Fluids

Staying hydrated is key, especially if you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea

Water, herbal tea, broths, flavored water, smoothies

📝 If your appetite is low, try eating small amounts more often instead of three large meals.

Managing Common Side Effects with Food

Nausea or Vomiting

Sip ginger tea or lemon water
Eat small, bland meals like crackers, toast, rice
Avoid rich, greasy, or strongly scented foods

Loss of Appetite

Focus on calorie-dense snacks like nuts, smoothies, or yogurt
Eat when you're most hungry (morning or after rest)
Set reminders to eat at regular times

Changes in Taste

Flavor foods with lemon juice, herbs, or mild spices
Use wood/bamboo/silicone utensils if things taste metallic
Try cold foods like smoothies or yogurt if flavors seem off

Constipation

Include fiber-rich foods like pears, prunes, oatmeal
Maintain adequate hydration
Gentle movement (like walking) may help

Diarrhea

Choose easy-to-digest foods: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast (BRAT diet)
Avoid caffeine, high-fat foods, raw veggies

Ideas for Nourishing Snacks and Mini-Meals

Oatmeal with fruit and nut butter
Greek yogurt with granola
Whole grain toast with mashed avocado
Smoothie with banana, spinach, and protein powder
Soft scrambled eggs with toast
Peanut butter banana roll-ups
Cottage cheese with berries

Working With Your Care Team

A registered dietitian can help you:

Adjust meals to match your treatment plan
Find alternatives when favorite foods no longer appeal
Meet calorie and protein goals
Balance supplements (if needed, and recommended by your healthcare provider)
Modify meals around swallowing or mouth issues

💬 Your nutrition plan should be personalized. Let your care team know about any eating struggles so they can help.

Key Takeaways

Nourishing your body during cancer treatment helps you stay stronger, recover faster, and feel better
Choose protein-rich foods, whole grains, healthy fats, and adequate amounts of fluids
Small, frequent meals can be easier to manage than large ones
Adapt recipes and flavors based on your symptoms and appetite
Talk with your care team if eating becomes difficult — you don’t have to do this alone
Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.

💬 Even on tough days, every bite helps. Do the best you can and let your team support you along the way.

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This handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.