Diet

A balanced diet will make sure your body works well. If you’re well-nourished before treatment your body can deal with treatment better.

This means eating all the food groups:

• eggs
• starchy foods
• beans and pulses
• fruit and vegetables
• fish, meat and other proteins
• dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese or dairy alternatives

You should eat enough calories and protein. This will keep your weight steady and your body strong.

Yes, enjoying what you eat is important too.

It’s important that you eat enough calories. These give you energy for everyday activities. Make sure you eat starchy foods like potatoes, rice, noodles, pasta, bread and cereals. They provide energy and fibre. The wholegrains types are the best.

Make sure you eat enough protein. It will keep your muscles strong and your immune system working. These will be important before and during treatment. 

You should eat five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. They have fibre, vitamins and minerals. A glass of fruit juice or smoothie can count toward your five a day too.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Aim for 1.5 to 2.5 litres of non-alcoholic fluids per day.

You might find daily meal plans helpful. They can help you plan your shopping for meals you like that also meet your needs.

You might have 'off days' where you aren't hungry and don't have energy. That's okay. Think about having some easy foods and snacks stored in your cupboard or freezer. This leaflet was made for older people, but will be useful for you too.

If you are underweight, or recently lost weight, you may be told to gain weight.

We may tell you not to lose weight before treatment, even if you are overweight. Instead avoid adding excess weight.

If you are diabetic,make sure you check your blood sugar often. Speak to your nurse or G.P. about looking after your diabetes during treatment.

Please contact your healthcare team if you are having difficulty with the following:

• reduced appetite
• swallowing issues
• maintaining a steady weight
• any issues that make eating hard

We may ask a dieticain to speak with you. This is so they can give you helpful tips. If you haven't seen a dietician but want to, just ask us.

This leaflet gives advice on how to eat well and keep healthy.

This leaflet tells you how to get more nutrition from food. It is helpful for people experiencing a lower weight. You might be underweight, losing weight without trying or have a poor appetite.

This leaflet is for people offered nutrition drinks. We also call these oral nutritional supplements. It gives advice on things like cooking and storage.

NHS Eat well advice

My Wellbeing Space, food and nutrition

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS guide to eating well and keeping a healthy weight