After a cancer diagnosis, it is common to find yourself thinking about how you should adjust your diet to help with healing and recovery. Good nutrition during cancer treatment is very important. In fact, the research has proven to us that nutrition is the 5th pillar in cancer care. It is now known for sure that every bite you take can be used to feed the fight against cancer.
One of the major side effects of cancer treatment is appetite loss. This often leads to a lower nutrient intake as you find yourself eating less and less. You may also find food tastes and smells different or even suffer from nausea and vomiting all of which compound your disinterest in food.
Appetite loss leads to a lower nutrient intake as you find yourself eating less and less.
Meanwhile, the body is demanding a huge supply of nutrients in order to fight against the disease and rebuild healthy tissues. So much so, that malnutrition and muscle loss are actually common in people with cancer. Proper nutrition during cancer treatment can avoid this.
By consuming a diet high in calories and protein, you are able to pack more power into smaller meals especially when all you can manage is a couple of bites at a time. Research has also shown that people who maintain their body weight during treatment are more likely to live longer, better tolerate treatment and have a better quality of life.
A high-calorie and high-protein diet is a power-packed diet.
Understanding the basics
While you may feel like you are going against the grain by eating a high-calorie/ protein diet, your body during cancer is in need of high-quality nutrition more than ever. Allow me to explain why:
A calorie is simply a measure of energy. The higher the number of calories a food has, the more energy it gives you. This is especially important because when you are unable to eat as much as usual, the little that you do eat should be able to supply your body with sufficient energy. This is why high-calorie foods are advised for the fight against cancer.
Proteins on the other hand are the building blocks of the body. They are in charge of important tasks like healing tissues and maintaining muscle mass. During cancer treatment, eating sufficient protein will help you stay stronger and tolerate the harsh side effects of treatment better. It will also help to ensure you do not lose your muscle mass.
Below is a list of foods high in calories and protein. Aim to include these foods in your everyday diet:
Tips on how to add high-calorie and high-protein foods to your diet
- Be protein-savvy by adding a protein to every meal ***
Make sure that every meal you eat is a ⅓ protein, giving priority to plant-based proteins.
- Keep protein-based snacks handy
Nuts, seeds, eggs, yogurt, the list is endless – carry these snacks around with you or during treatment to keep you well-nourished.
- Drink up your calories/protein instead
On days when drinking feels easier than eating, make yogurt/dairy-based smoothies that include nuts, seeds, protein powder, and fruits. Sip on them as you go about your day.
- Keep time with your meal times
Try and eat every 2-3 hours and avoid skipping meals even when you don’t necessarily feel hungry.
- Eat your heaviest meal when you typically feel most hungry.
If you are hungriest at breakfast time, fill up on a high-calorie and high-protein meal then. On days when you are feeling good, eat as much as you can to make up for days when you are unable to stomach much.
- Say goodbye to the “low fat” and “diet” products.
Go for full-fat dairy products and other healthy foods to ensure you get as many calories as possible.
- Top it all off with some avocado and olive oil.
Top your salads, casseroles, stir-fries, and literally anything you like with some avocado slices and a splash of virgin olive oil. This will give you a boost of heart-healthy fats as well as increase your caloric intake.
*** When it comes to meat protein, The American Institute for Cancer Research advises not to eat more than 18 ounces of red and processed meats per week. Load up on plant-based proteins like beans and legumes to ensure you don’t exceed your red meat quota.
Finally, remember that by feeding your body with all it needs during and after your treatment, you are essentially feeding the fight against cancer and are well on the road to recovery and healing!
And…I am always here to work with you to create a program for your nutrition during cancer treatment to support your recovery. Hit me up here!
