Friends and loved ones may be quick to offer suggestions about what (and what not) to eat for people going through cancer treatment. But for patients going through active treatment, those well-meaning recommendations may be very hard to follow.
“I think sometimes people who are going through cancer treatment are shocked after speaking with a dietitian,” said Endeavor Health oncology/wellness dietitian Doreen Berard, RD, LDN. “They come to us and say, ‘I have heard or read that I shouldn’t eat this or shouldn’t eat that’.”
But Berard is quick to acknowledge that her recommendations for healthy eating in general are very different for those who are undergoing treatment, which often comes with a range of side effects and a drop in appetite.
What if side effects impact nutrition?
“Nutrition recommendations during active treatment can be very fluid and depend on how patients are feeling and what side effects they may be dealing with,” said Berard.
For example, if someone is having diarrhea, a not uncommon issue with chemotherapy, Berard would not recommend fiber-rich foods like nuts, seeds and whole grain bread, fresh fruits and cruciferous vegetables that are otherwise important nutrients.
“White bread and rice and other white carbs are temporarily fine,” said Berard. “It’s important that people going through treatment eat what they can tolerate, pending symptoms, to help keep them strong and to help them hold on to lean muscle tissue.”
People may have taste changes or have little appetite as they are fighting cancer, she added, so it’s good to keep a variety of snacks and small bites on hand that may appeal.
How important is protein intake?
Getting enough protein is especially important and Berard advises people to stock up on any sources of protein they can tolerate.
“Cold, room-temperature and bland foods are often more appealing. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta or mozzarella cheese snacks are great options. Cold chicken or ham salads also work well for some people,” she said.
While cold foods have less or no smell than hot foods, sometimes people in treatment can be very sensitive to cold, with neuropathy or an excessively sensitive tongue, so it can help to warm the food up to room temperature.
Eggs are another great source of protein and they can be prepared in so many ways, increasing the chances that it will appeal to a person with limited appetite. Canned chicken meat can easily be added to prepared soups to add more protein, suggested Berard.
Easy, plant-based options for protein include canned beans and nut butters like almond or peanut butter.
“It’s really important for people to try and have even small amounts of protein throughout the day and it’s important to have something with the protein, maybe fruit or some bread, pasta or rice,” she added.
Eating a little bit at a time throughout the day is another good strategy to get enough fuel and nutrients, said Berard, who also suggests dry cereals or make-your-own trail mix with dried fruits, nuts and salty snacks that appeal to some people.
Some protein-packed options include:
- Greek yogurt
- Cheese snacks (cottage cheese, ricotta or mozzarella)
- Eggs (prepared how you like it)
- Nut butters (almond or peanut butter)
- Trail mix with dried fruits and nuts
What are some pantry staples?
Having a stock of pantry staples that help for quick and easy meals and snacks should be a priority:
- Soups, not in metal cans as some cancer patients already are challenged by a metallic taste
- Canned chicken
- Tinned sardines
- Beans
- Pasta, rice and oats
- Dry cereals
“We all have good days and bad days, and everyone is unique as they go through their cancer journey,” said Berard. “Do your best and know that even the smallest bites and sips will add up throughout the day. Involving family and friends can be helpful and people should ask specifically for what appeals to them.”
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