Diet During Chemotherapy: Nutrition Tips That Help

One of the things people often tell me is that when they’ve asked what to eat during chemotherapy, they’ve been advised to “just eat healthily.” It’s always so well intended, but it feels somewhat underpowered when you think about the hugely important role nutrition can play in cancer care. And of course, it can’t possibly (and it isn’t meant to) cover what that really looks like day to day, especially when eating can feel unpredictable and a bit like a moving target.

Good nutrition can support so much - strength, resilience, your immune system, easing side effects - and that’s still only a small part of the picture!

Some days food feels manageable, and on others, favourite meals taste completely different. You might not fancy what you usually enjoy, or you might feel too tired to cook. It’s common for eating to feel this way during treatment, and it’s exactly why compassion and realistic nutrition support are so important.

In this article I’ve shared practical tips, realistic ideas, and reassurance for anyone navigating food during chemotherapy. I hope you’ll find something that helps food feel a little easier and gives you a sense of support along the way. Please do take what resonates now, and leave the rest for another time.

Why Nutrition Matters During Chemotherapy and How It Can Help

Good nutrition during chemotherapy isn’t about striving for a ‘perfect’ diet. It’s about giving your body the nourishment and tools it needs alongside treatment, helping you feel stronger, more resilient, and supporting the best possible treatment outcomes and recovery.

It’s also not about adding another worry or a long list of rules. Nutrition should feel like something that supports and sustains you, rather than making life harder or more stressful.

Here's just a few of the ways that nutrition can support you during chemotherapy:

• Maintaining muscle mass and strength. Muscle plays a vital role in helping your body cope with treatment and recover afterwards. Keeping your muscles well nourished, and moving your body to protect them, is one of the most important things you can do, both during treatment and beyond.

• Nourishing your immune system. Not by searching for one “immune-boosting” food, but by steadily fuelling your body with protein, beneficial fats, fibre, vitamins like D and B12, minerals such as iron and zinc, and the protective compounds found in colourful fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, and seeds - all alongside good hydration.

• Bolstering your energy. Eating and drinking in ways that feel manageable can help smooth out some of the dips in energy that many people experience during treatment.

• Managing side effects. Small, practical adjustments can make eating more comfortable when you’re dealing with nausea, taste changes, constipation, diarrhoea, or a low appetite.

• Supporting healing and recovery. Nutrition provides the building blocks your body needs as it repairs and heals.

• Maintaining a healthy weight. This can mean preventing unintentional weight loss or finding supportive ways to manage your weight if you’re concerned about it increasing.

• Helping to reduce your risk of infections while your immune system is under more pressure.

• Supporting long-term health and, in some cancers, helping to lower the risk of recurrence.

Credit: American Institute for Cancer Research

The AICR infographic gives a really nice snapshot of these benefits.

For me, this is such a powerful message, because it reflects what I’ve always seen in practice: nutrition isn’t just an “optional extra.” It should be part of your cancer treatment plan from day one.

The infographic highlights the value of filling your plate with plenty of plant foods like vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, and beans. It also makes another important point: “Work with a dietitian and your cancer care team to set up your personal nutrition plan.”

That matters, because treatment side effects or changes in appetite often mean you’ll need to adapt the general advice, and that’s completely normal. The big picture is clear: good nutrition can be an immense support during treatment and recovery. Exactly what that looks like should be tailored to your own nutritional needs at the time, as well as to what feels realistic and manageable for you.

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“Should I wait until after chemotherapy has finished to focus on nutrition?”

This is something people often ask when they get in touch, and my answer is always the same: no, please don’t wait! The sooner we get started, the better! (And it’s for all the reasons we’ve just talked about - strength, better managing side effects, recovery… and the list goes on).

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Making Hydration Work for You

Staying well hydrated can sound so basic, but it often makes a much bigger difference than many people realise. Every system in your body relies on fluid: from your energy and digestion to how well your immune system works.

I know from supporting many people through treatment that drinking more isn’t always easy. Some days water just doesn’t taste right, or you don’t fancy it at all. And sometimes, when fatigue sets in, even the thought of getting up to fill your glass can feel like more than you have energy for.

This is where simple, practical tweaks can help you find what works for you. Here are a few ideas:

• Infused water: Add slices of cucumber, lemon, lime, berries, or a little freshly sliced ginger. It not only looks inviting but can also make the taste more appealing.

• Herbal teas: Chamomile, ginger, fennel, or berry blends can be lovely hot or chilled. Make a cup when you fancy or keep some in the fridge for later.

• Experiment with temperature and texture: Some people prefer cold or sparkling drinks, while others find warm, milky ones more soothing. Notice what feels best for you.

• Flavoured ice cubes: Pop fruit, citrus, or herbs into ice trays, freeze, and drop them into your glass for a refreshing change.

Everyday hydration tips from real life

Small things can make a surprising difference when it comes to keeping up with fluids:

• Keep a small stainless-steel water bottle in your bag so you’ve always got something to sip on when you’re out and about.

• Choose a bottle or cup with measurements on the side. Seeing your progress through the day can be a motivator. It helps if it’s something you like the look of, so you enjoy reaching for it.

• Try a metal or glass straw – some people find it makes drinking easier.

Nourishing fluids for days when eating feels harder

If your appetite is low, or side effects of treatment make eating tricky, the drinks you choose can also be an opportunity to add nourishment as well as fluid.

Compared with plain water or a simple herbal tea, options like smoothies, milky drinks, or soups can help you top things up with energy and protein when meals feel more difficult.

Here are a few ideas my clients often find useful:

• Smoothies or milkshakes - use a base of yoghurt or your preferred milk, then blend in fruit you enjoy. You can also add extras like nut butter, avocado, or a handful of baby spinach for more nourishment.

• Warm or cold milky drinks - try a soothing turmeric latte (you can find my recipe here), an all-milk coffee, or an iced latte if that feels more appealing.

• Soups and broths - whether a comforting warm bowl or a chilled option like gazpacho, they can give you both hydration and useful nourishment.

• A small glass of vegetable juice - refreshing, it may also help with appetite and adds some useful nutrients.

Nutritional supplement drinks

Sometimes, food and nourishing fluids just aren’t quite enough on their own. In those situations, nutritional supplement drinks can be a helpful extra source of energy and protein.

They come in many forms - milky drinks, yoghurty options, fruity varieties, dessert-style pots, soups, and even small high-energy or protein shots. Some are available on prescription, and your healthcare team can guide you on what’s most suitable. With my one-to-one clients who are finding it hard to eat enough, we explore how these might fit into their wider diet and needs.

Protein for Strength and Healing

Whether you’re preparing to start chemotherapy, right in the middle of it, or focusing on recovery afterwards, your body has extra work to do - and protein plays a big part in supporting it.

Why protein matters during chemotherapy

Alongside its role in maintaining muscle mass, strength, and repair, protein also supports many of the things people often ask me about during treatment. For example, protein helps to support:

• Your immune system by helping your body produce antibodies and white blood cells

• Bone health

• Healthy hair, skin, and nails

• Steadier energy levels through the day

Everyday ways to include more protein

A simple starting point is to include a source of protein with each meal and snack. Spreading it across the day helps your body make the most of what you eat.

Some everyday protein-rich foods include:

• Meat, fish, and eggs

• Yoghurt and other dairy foods

• Tofu, tempeh, and edamame

• Beans, lentils, and peas

• Nuts, seeds and nut or seed butters

Here are a few easy ideas:

• Roast chicken at the weekend – enjoy it as part of a meal, then use the leftovers through the week: sliced into sandwiches or pittas, added to salads, or warmed up for a quick meal.

• Cook an extra piece of salmon – it’s delicious hot with dinner and just as good the next day flaked into a wrap or enjoyed cold.

• Keep a few boiled eggs in the fridge – handy for a quick snack, sandwich filling, or salad topper.

• Greek yoghurt or cottage cheese with fruit and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.

• Tofu or edamame beans mixed through salads or warm vegetables.

• Nuts or seeds with fruit for a quick, nourishing snack.

• A bean or lentil salad – easy to batch prepare and gives both protein and slow-release energy.

When food alone isn’t enough

There may be times when eating feels especially difficult. In those moments, even small tweaks can make a difference:

• Stir a spoonful of Greek yoghurt into soup or mashed potatoes

• Add ground nuts or seeds to porridge

• Top vegetables with grated cheese or crumbled feta

• Whisk an egg into soup at the end of cooking

Sometimes, with my clients, I suggest that a neutral, unsweetened protein powder can be useful to top up nutrition. It can be stirred into things like smoothies, soups, or porridge without changing the taste too much.

And as we touched on earlier, nutritional supplement drinks or products may also play a role if food and nourishing fluids still aren’t enough. These come in different forms, and your healthcare team can guide you on what’s most suitable. If you are finding it hard to meet your needs, it’s important to let your team know so they can support you and refer you to a dietitian for more personalised advice.

Practical Tips for Eating During Chemotherapy

When you’re having chemotherapy, food can sometimes feel harder to manage, especially if your appetite is low, cooking feels exhausting, or your usual favourites just don’t taste the same. On those days, it’s not about putting extra pressure on yourself. It’s about finding quick wins that make it easier to get the nourishment you need in a way that feels realistic for you.

One of the biggest challenges people tell me about is decision fatigue - that sense of “I just can’t think what to eat.” Having a few go-to foods or drinks ready takes that pressure away and makes daily choices feel lighter. The ideas below are all about creating those easy wins.

• Keep some simple snacks within reach. Easy options like oatcakes with hummus or nut butter, a boiled egg with a handful of spinach, or yoghurt with fruit and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds can help top up your energy without needing to think too much about it.

• Plan ahead for long appointment days. Having a couple of portable options tucked into your bag - like a sachet of nut or seed butter, a small bag of trail mix, or a piece of fruit paired with a few nuts or seeds, can be handy to carry with you. [I’ve shared a longer list in my blog on convenient non-refrigerated snack options for hospital].

• Make the most of better days. If you have a bit more energy, cooking a larger batch of something like soup, stew, or Bolognese, or roasting a chicken, can give you ready-made meals for the days ahead. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge or freezer for when cooking feels too much. [You might also find my blog on simple meal planning strategies for cancer treatment and recovery helpful].

• Stock up on handy staples. Keeping a few longer-life basics in your cupboard can be a lifeline when cooking feels like too much. Tinned fish, chickpeas, beans, lentils, pouches of ready-to-go grains like quinoa, and oatcakes or wholegrain crackers mean there’s always something you can pull together without too much effort. [I’ve shared more ideas in my blog on 10 pantry staples for supporting nutrition during cancer treatment].

Managing Symptoms During Chemotherapy

Nutrition can play an important role when it comes to coping with the side effects of chemotherapy. Small, practical adjustments in what and how you eat or drink can help with things like nausea, low appetite, taste changes, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea, and fatigue.

I've written a blog with lots of simple, practical ideas you can try - from foods that may feel easier when your appetite is low, to adjustments that can make eating more manageable when side effects are at their worst.

You can read my blog on managing treatment side effects here.

Questions About Nutritional Supplements

One of the questions I’m often asked during chemotherapy is: "Should I be taking supplements?”

My approach always starts with food first. Protein and beneficial fats are vital foundations, and beyond that, plant foods - vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils - bring a wealth of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They also provide natural plant compounds such as antioxidants and polyphenols. These act a bit like the body’s own protectors, helping to defend your cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and support your immune system.

Each food brings something unique, and it’s the way all these nutrients work together, like instruments in an orchestra, that makes good nutrition such a powerful part of supporting your body during cancer treatment.

There may be times when eating and drinking enough is difficult, whether because of nausea, taste changes, or simply feeling wiped out. In those situations, a daily A-Z multivitamin and mineral supplement (up to 100% of the recommended daily amount) can be a useful safety net. I usually recommend vitamin D3 (often with K2), because of its wide-reaching role in health and wellbeing, including immune function. If you’re not eating oily fish, omega-3 is also important to think about.

Beyond those basics, other supplements may sometimes be useful, depending on your personal needs and circumstances. In one-to-one support, I look at the whole picture - diet, lifestyle, and treatment - with the aim of helping you feel as strong, resilient, and supported as possible. Nutritional supplements can be a valuable tool when there’s a specific need or indication. They always work best as part of a tailored plan alongside diet and lifestyle.

Please note: It is always important to check with your healthcare team before starting anything new, as some supplements can interact with cancer treatment or other medications.

Food Safety During Chemotherapy

Over the 25+ years I’ve been supporting people through cancer treatment, I’ve seen food safety advice evolve. It used to be quite blanket - a list of foods to avoid, like runny eggs and pâté. A bit like pregnancy guidance, where runny eggs were once firmly off the menu because of concerns about salmonella (they’re now considered safe as long as they carry the British Lion stamp, because these eggs have a much lower risk of salmonella [NHS guidance].

As time has gone on, cancer food safety advice has become more balanced and measured. We know that the actual risk of foodborne infection from many foods is relatively low, and that sometimes, especially when appetites are poor, unnecessarily restricting favourites can do more harm than good. That’s why guidance today is much more individual.

For many people having outpatient chemotherapy, a sensible, practical approach to food hygiene may be enough. This means simple steps like:

• Washing your hands before preparing or eating food, and keeping surfaces and utensils clean

• Rinsing fruit and vegetables well

• Storing food safely in the fridge - for example, not storing raw meat above other foods where juices might drip

• Checking use-by dates and leaving out anything that doesn’t look, smell, or taste quite right

For others, there may be times when extra caution is needed. For example:

• At certain points in the treatment cycle when immunity is lower, your team might suggest avoiding foods more likely to carry bacteria (such as soft blue cheeses, pâté, or undercooked eggs).

• Some people with blood cancers may be advised to take a more cautious approach throughout treatment.

• And for those having high-dose chemotherapy, or a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, more cautious guidance is usually needed and will be provided by your team.

The key message is that there’s no longer a one size fits all rule. For some, good food hygiene will be enough. For others, extra care may be needed - sometimes just for short periods, sometimes for longer. What’s right for you will always depend on your individual treatment and situation. If you’re ever unsure, check with your team so you can feel confident you’re protecting yourself without restricting more than necessary.

Bringing It All Together: Diet During Chemotherapy

Your diet during chemotherapy isn’t about chasing a perfect plan. It’s about giving your body the nourishment, support, and tools it needs alongside treatment, to help you stay strong, support recovery, and feel more resilient day to day.

Sometimes that means focusing on small, realistic steps you can manage consistently - like preparing an extra portion of a meal for later, adding a nutrient-dense snack, or keeping a water bottle by your side. At other times it can be about building on those foundations and exploring ways to optimise your nutrition and wellbeing.

If eating or drinking becomes difficult at any point, it’s important to let your healthcare team know. They can support you directly and may refer you to a dietitian for personalised advice. For those who would like private support, I’m here too.

Nutrition during chemotherapy can make a real difference in helping you cope with treatment, manage side effects, and support recovery. And while it’s a significant part of the picture, there are lots of other ways to care for yourself too - from movement and sleep to managing stress and spending time in nature. Wherever you are right now, there will be something you can do, and even the smallest steps can bring meaningful support to your wellbeing.

If you’d like tailored support, I’ll take the guesswork away and create a nutrition approach that fits your life - giving you clarity, confidence, and reassurance. That’s exactly what my one-to-one programmes are designed to offer, so please do get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

📩 info@thecancerdietitian.com

☎️ 020 8064 2865

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The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalised nutrition, dietetic, or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for personalised advice and guidance regarding your specific medical condition or dietary needs.