Nutrition and Cancer

Eating well may help you keep up your strength during your cancer treatment. Here are some tips for maintaining good nutrition during cancer treatment.

For more information, please email Kaitlin Schotz, RD.

Always tell your health care provider about your nutritional concerns.

What to Eat During Cancer Treatment

• Small meals with small portions.
• Frequent meals: 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, 100% whole wheat, flaxseed, oatmeal, brown rice, multigrain pasta, fruit, vegetables, beans and 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.
• Choose high protein foods: eggs, poultry, nuts/seeds and nut butters, fish/seafood, milk or non-dairy milks, yogurt, cheese, tofu and beans/legumes.
• If eating is hard, try supplements: Boost Plus®, Ensure Plus®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials® or make your own homemade milkshakes and add protein powder.
• Food safety: wash hands before eating, cook food to proper temperatures, and keep food covered, refrigerated or frozen.
• Eat 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, oils (olive, sunflower, almond, avocado, canola, flaxseed, coconut, etc), cheeses, granola, dried fruit, nuts/seeds and nut butters, maple syrup, honey, agave, half-n-half, heavy cream, whole-fat yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese.
• Finally, always listen to your body: based on how you are feeling, choose foods that sound or feel comforting.