One diet does not fit all the types of eating problems that may occur during breast cancer treatment. The main dietary goal during treatment is to be sure you are getting enough protein and calories to keep you strong and to help you heal. It is also important that you eat the biggest meal when you are feeling good and smaller meals when you are not feeling so good. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Meet with a registered dietitian who specializes in cancer nutrition to help you plan your diet.
Protein
Some protein sources are better than others when you don't feel like eating and are not feeling well. Try melting or grating cheese on main dishes. Add cottage or ricotta cheese to pasta dishes, egg dishes or casseroles. Add milk instead of water for preparing hot cereals, canned soups, cocoa beverages and puddings. Add nonfat instant dry milk to main dishes such as meat loaf, mash potatoes and for milk-based desserts. Make your own high protein smoothie by blending protein powders with whole milk, ice cream or frozen yogurt and add a banana. If you are lactose intolerant, use rice milk instead. Make egg dishes that are cooked well to avoid harmful bacteria. Add nut seeds and wheat germ to cereals or baked goods or use them as toppings for yogurt, cereals, fruit and vegetables. These are some ways to add protein to your diet.
Calories
Milk, cheese, granola, dried fruits and eggs are types of foods that will help you add calories to your diet if you are losing weight and not feeling well. Use whole milk for beverages and add milk to meals. Melt cheese on omelets, scrambled eggs, potatoes, casseroles and pasta dishes. Use granola in baked goods or for toppings. Try eating plump dried fruits by soaking them in a little bit of warm water. Add dried fruit to your recipes for baking. Add extra eggs to any cooked dishes or add hard-boiled eggs to main dishes or side dishes.
Foods
Eat whenever you can; don't wait until you are hungry. That means you will be eating more small meals throughout the day. If you are not up to eating any types of solid foods, drink milkshakes, protein smoothies or soups to be sure you are getting plenty of protein, calories and vitamins. You can make protein-fortified milk by blending 1 quart of whole milk with 1 cup of nonfat dry instant milk. One cup provides 211 calories and 14 grams of protein. You can make a high-protein milkshake by blending 1 cup of protein-fortified milk with 2 tablespoons of your favorite sweetener ½ cup of ice cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. One serving will give you 425 calories and 17 g of protein. Three tbsp of peanut butter and honey on bread or crackers will give you 279 calories and 11 g of protein.
Beverages
You need to stay hydrated and nourished if you are experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and loss of appetite. Start with clear liquids such as bouillon, clear broth and consommé, clear fruit juices, flavored water, sports drinks, water and noncaffeinated beverages, Popsicle-type treats, jello or fruit ices without any milk or pieces of fruit. Slowly add full liquids to your diet such as cream of wheat and other instant hot cereals, pureed soups, carbonated drinks, fruit drinks, milkshakes, sports drinks, vegetable and fruit juices, water and meal replacement drinks.
Desserts and Snacks
Start off with Popsicles, jello and fruit Popsicles without milk or fruit. Next try custards, frozen yogurt, ice cream, pudding, sorbet, sherbet, yogurt and fruit purees. Desserts that are easy on the stomach are cakes, bananas, canned fruit or applesauce, frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard candy and yogurts. For diarrhea, try low-fiber snacks such as animal crackers, custards, ginger snaps, graham crackers and saltine crackers. For constipation, try high-fiber snacks such as bran bars, granola, nuts, popcorn and seeds.
