Healthy eating is both more important and can be more of a challenge with cancer. Making changes to your calories, protein, or fibre intake can give you much more energy. Make sure you are eating and drinking enough each day to meet your body’s energy needs.
Eating well means a balanced diet:
- Vegetables and fruit
- Grain products
- Milk and alternatives
- Meat and alternatives
Protein helps with healing. Meat, poultry, fish, beans, milk and dairy products are good sources of protein.
Water and other fluids are important to prevent dehydration (your body not having enough water or fluids). Unless you were told to drink more or less by your health care team, drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid every day.
If you have a poor appetite:
- Try eating small meals and snacks though the day.
- Cook when you have the most energy. Make extra to keep in the freezer.
- Drink a nutrition supplement (such as Ensure® or Boost®) with meals or as a snack. These drinks give you extra vitamins, minerals, calories and protein.
- Ask to speak with a dietitian. A dietitian can help you find ways to meet your energy needs and help with symptoms that make eating a challenge.
