Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight

The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet, people should try to:

• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day (see 5 A Day)
• Eat high fibre foods such as potatoes, bread, rice or pasta in a main meal
• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks)
• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat them in small amounts
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses a day)

Try NOT to:

• Try not to have foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt and sugar, or have these less often or just in small amounts.
• Try not to eat and drink too many calories,
• Try not to eat too much saturated fat,
• Try not to eat too much sugar
• Try not to eat too much salt.

It is not uncommon for people to lose weight before they are diagnosed or as a result of treatment they are receiving. Many people find that their appetite changes, either due to their disease or as a result of their treatment or medication.

What can I do?

There are a few medicines that may improve your appetite but they can have side effects. Ask your doctor, nurse or dietitian if they would be suitable for you.

What can I eat?

• Many people find it easier to have small frequent snacks throughout the day rather than sticking to three meals a day
• Try to eat when your appetite is at its best. For many patients this is in the morning – why not try a cooked breakfast or porridge?
• Some people find that alcoholic drinks such as sherry or a glass of wine before a meal can help perk up their appetite
• A very full plate of food may put you off eating. Try having your food on a smaller plate to keep the portions small – you can always go back for more if you still feel hungry
• Choose easy-to-eat foods – many people find soft foods like puddings easier than difficult-to-chew foods like meat.
• Choose full-fat foods wherever possible, such as those labelled 'luxury' or 'thick and creamy' rather than 'light', 'diet' or 'low fat'
• Use full-cream milk and full-fat yoghurt
• Try to eat fried foods more often if you can manage them
• Don't fill up on low-energy filling foods such as vegetables and fruit
• Add extra butter, margarine or oil to bread, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta, rice, chapatis, rotis, noodles and cooked vegetables
• Add peanut butter, chocolate spread, lemon curd, honey, jam or marmalade to bread, toast, crackers or biscuits
• Add mayonnaise or oil-based dressings to salads, sandwiches and jacket potato fillings, or use as a dip for crisps or chips
• Add extra cheese to pizzas, sauces, soups, pasta and vegetables, and extra paneer to curries
• Add cream, sour cream, plain yoghurt, mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche to sauces, soups and meat dishes
• Use evaporated milk, condensed milk or cream (pouring or whipped) to top desserts, cakes and hot drinks
• Add cream to porridge, custard and other milk puddings
• Use extra sugar, honey or syrup with cereal, drinks, fruit and desserts
• Have cream, ice cream or soya ice cream (frozen non-dairy dessert) with desserts
• Try and keep a variety of foods in your diet as this may help improve your intake

If you have a problem such as diarrhoea or an altered sense of taste, speak to your nurse or ask to see the dietician who will be able to help. During these times you may need to change the balance of your diet to include different foods. It may also be helpful to alter when or how often you eat to make sure you try to eat enough. These may be short-term or long-term changes depending on your treatment and health.

We should all try to eat a wide variety of different foods to make sure we get the nutrition our bodies need.

Meat, fish, eggs, tofu, soya products, pulses (beans and lentils), Quorn, nuts.

These are a good source of protein, which is needed for the growth of body tissue, muscle strength and wound healing. Some also contain fat, so are a good source of energy (calories). They also contain vitamins and minerals.

Dairy products (such as cheese, milk, yoghurt and fromage frais) and non-dairy alternatives (such as soya milk and soya yoghurt)

These contain protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. If you are losing weight choose the full-fat varieties. If eating non-dairy alternatives choose those that are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Sugar, honey, syrup, treacle and sugary foods, such as chocolate, cakes and sweets

These are good sources of energy.

Butter, margarine, oil, ghee and cream

These are good sources of energy and contain fat-soluble vitamins.

Fruit and vegetables

These are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but not usually of protein and energy. If you have a poor appetite you may need to reduce your normal quantities to enable you to eat higher energy foods.

Drinks

If you have a poor appetite choose nourishing drinks rather than just tea, coffee or water.

Are there any foods I should avoid?

When you are ill or having treatment you are more at risk of getting food poisoning. It is best to avoid the following foods:

- raw or lightly cooked eggs

- soft, ripened cheese (like Brie or Camembert) or blue-veined cheese (like Stilton)

- pâté

Good food hygiene is also important.

Better Health - NHS 

Eat well - NHS 

Eating well and keeping active - Macmillan Cancer Support

Nutrition Throughout Cancer

The Myth Surrounding Nutrition

Living With and Beyond Cancer: Nutrition

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