Eating Well During Cancer

Eating well can be a challenge when you have cancer, yet nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment and recovery.

Eating well while you are being treated for cancer can help you:

• Feel better
• Keep up your strength and energy
• Maintain your weight and your body’s store of nutrients
• Better tolerate treatment-related side effects
• Lower your risk of infection
• Heal and recover faster

There are many side effects of cancer treatment that can affect eating. Because everyone’s nutritional needs are different, you may wish to ask your oncologist about being meeting with a registered dietitian. Dietitians can help you find ways to eat well and maintain a healthy body weight throughout your cancer experience.

Click here to access resources and learn more about how you can eat well during cancer treatment and recovery.

The following tips will help you plan meals and snacks that will be more appealing and provide the nutrition needed to feel better:

• Eat small amounts more frequently. If you feel full after eating only a small amount, try eating small amounts throughout the day when you get the urge to eat. You may find it easier to eat small amounts several times each day rather than at mealtimes.
• Schedule mealtimes. If you never seem to feel hungry, it's often helpful to eat according to a schedule rather than to rely on appetite.
• Eat more when you're hungry. Take advantage of the times when you feel your best to eat more. Many people have their best appetite in the morning, when they're rested.
• Limit fluids during meals. Liquids can fill you up and limit your intake of higher calorie foods. It may help to drink most of your liquids at least a half-hour before or after meals.
• Create a pleasant mealtime atmosphere. For example, use soft music, candles or nice place settings.
• Make meals more appealing. Select foods with a variety of colors and textures to make your meals more appealing.
• Avoid smells that make you sick. Pay attention to smells, as certain scents may decrease your appetite or bring on nausea. Avoid smells that have this effect on you.

Sources:

Canadian Cancer Society

Mayo Clinic