Nutrition Counseling - Cancer

Nutrition and Cancer

Eating well is especially important when you have cancer.

For more information, or to speak to a dietitian, please contact Christine Allen, RD at 410-822-1000, ext. 5351, or contact your oncologist's office for dietary assistance.

Always tell your health care provider about your nutritional concerns.

What to Eat and Drink During Cancer Treatment

Frequent Small Meals with Small Portions

• Five to six mini meals or snacks daily

Plenty of Water or Other Fluids

• 8 ounces, eight to ten times daily.

More Fiber

• Whole grains, flaxseed, oatmeal, brown rice, multigrain pasta, beans, nuts

Fruits and Vegetables

• At least 5 servings per day.
• Choose bright and deep colors.
• Eat washed raw, cooked, or blend into a sauce, soup or smoothie.

High Protein Foods

• Eggs, poultry, fish/seafood, milk or non-dairy milks, yogurt, cheese, tofu, beans/legumes

Food Safety

• Wash hands before eating,
• Cook food to proper temperatures
• Keep food covered, refrigerated or frozen.
• If eating is hard, you may try nutritional supplements or making your own homemade milkshakes and add protein powder

Eating with Others

• Perk up a poor appetite by dining with friends
• Turn on the television or radio
• Open the window for fresh air
• Try new foods, flavors, sauces and condiments.

If Losing Weight, Add Calories

• Olives, avocado, shredded coconut, granola, maple syrup, honey, agave, half-n-half, heavy cream, sour cream
• Oils (olive, sunflower, almond, avocado, canola, flaxseed, coconut, etc)

Listen to Your Body

• Based on how you are feeling, choose foods that sound or feel comforting.