If you've been diagnosed with cancer, eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you keep your strength and improve your overall well-being. According to the American Cancer Society, healthy eating lowers your risk of infection and helps you recover faster. If you're under treatment, you might also experience nausea, vomiting and other side effects. To help you ease symptoms and maintain your energy, you might need to make changes in the way you feed your body.
Step 1
Eat more protein. According to the American Cancer Society, protein helps heal tissues and fight infection, especially after a round of treatment. Good sources of protein include lean proteins such as fish, chicken and turkey, as well as lentils, beans and soy.
Step 2
Lower your intake of fiber if you're suffering from digestive issues. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer patients often experience diarrhea, digestive upset and nausea when they consume too much fiber. Foods to avoid include whole grains, dried fruits, bran, processed meats and seeds. Beans, lentils and peas are also high in fiber -- if you're experiencing gastrointestinal problems, don't use them as a source of protein.
Step 3
Eat more carbohydrates. If you have not had gastrointestinal issues, focus on whole grains. If eating too much fiber makes you sick, eat more white carbs, including pasta, white rice, potatoes, corn and bread. According to the American Cancer Society, carbohydrates can help people with cancer keep their energy levels up.
Step 4
Shop for easy-to-prepare, nutritious foods. According to HealthCastle, it is common for cancer patients to feel tired and low in energy. This can also affect your appetite and make it harder to eat regular meals and maintain your weight. To avoid this, buy high-calorie meals that are canned, pre-packaged or frozen. Nuts, granola bars and full-fat dairy products are all good choices, as they provide nutrition and lots of calories.
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