Nutrition Counseling for Improved Recovery

Cancer patients have different nutritional needs than the standard recommended nutritional allowances. Most cancer patients find that their dietary needs change based on their treatment. The foods you eat can increase your strength and help your body adapt to your cancer treatments.

Get Expert Nutrition Advice for Cancer Patients

At the LCRP you can make an appointment with a dedicated oncology dietitian to discuss your dietary concerns. They can offer meal plans and healthy diet counseling if you are having problems with weight loss or gain, loss of appetite, elimination, fatigue, mouth sores, etc. due to the cancer or cancer treatments. The dietitian can also work with you and your family on a prevention plan to decrease the risk of cancer. Call 912-819-6893 to make an appointment.

Quick Nutrition Tips During Your Cancer Treatment

Eating can be a challenge for many cancer patients as you experience nausea, lack of appetite, or simply don’t have the energy to make a meal. Take advantage of the following tips to help you during this time:

• Try boosting your immunity by gradually transitioning into a protein-rich diet and eat higher calorie foods like milk, cream cheese and cooked eggs.
• Avoid high-fiber foods, which have a tendency to aggravate problems like diarrhea and sore mouth.
• Stock the pantry and freezer with favorite foods so that you won’t need to shop as often. Include foods you know you can eat even if you are sick.
• Keep foods handy that need little or no preparation, such as pudding, peanut butter, tuna fish, cheese and eggs.
• Do some cooking in advance and freeze in meal-sized portions.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you with the cooking and shopping.
• Talk to a registered dietitian about your concerns. They will be able to give you meal plans and ideas of foods that may help ease the side effects.
• Stick with one or two foods you are able to eat and then branch out when you feel better. Try a liquid meal replacement for extra calories and protein.
• It is very important that you try and drink plenty of fluids, especially on the days you don’t feel like eating. Try carrying a water bottle with your during the day to keep you in the habit of consistently drinking water.

Additional Nutrition Resources

Although some cancer patients prefer to stick to a few foods they know they enjoy and won’t make them sick, many people prefer to have a rotation of dishes during their treatment. The American Cancer Society has great resources for cancer patients including a library of delicious healthy recipes.

For More Information about Comprehensive Cancer Care

For information about comprehensive cancer services and physician specialists at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, please call 912-819-5704. We look forward to helping you.