Breast cancer treatment can be a tough journey, not just emotionally but physically too. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments often affect appetite, making it hard to eat enough or enjoy food. Some people feel nauseous, while others may feel extremely hungry or develop cravings. The good news is that with a few simple, practical nutrition tips, you can keep your body nourished, stay strong, and feel more in control of your health.
Here are some easy, India-friendly tips for managing appetite during breast cancer treatment:
1. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
When your appetite is low or you feel full quickly, try eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Have something light every two to three hours. Simple snacks like khichdi, idlis, poha, fruit chaat, or yoghurt with honey can keep your energy up without overwhelming your stomach.
2. Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods
Every bite matters when your appetite isn’t great. Pick foods that pack more nutrition in smaller portions. Options like dry fruits, nuts, seeds, boiled eggs, paneer, dal, and whole grains are excellent choices. A spoon of peanut butter on toast or a smoothie with milk, banana, and protein powder is a quick way to get energy and protein.
3. Stay Hydrated (But Smartly)
Cancer treatment can make your mouth dry or leave you feeling dehydrated. Sip water, coconut water, or herbal teas throughout the day. But try not to drink large amounts right before meals as it can make you feel full too quickly. Warm lemon water or jeera water may also help with digestion and nausea.
4. Tackle Nausea with Gentle Foods
Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Keep bland, easy-to-digest foods handy, like boiled potatoes, crackers, moong dal khichdi, or plain rice. Ginger tea or sucking on a small piece of ginger or lemon candy may help reduce nausea naturally.
5. Add Flavour Creatively
Sometimes cancer treatment can change your sense of taste, making food taste bland or metallic. Try adding herbs, spices, and natural seasonings to bring back flavour. A pinch of jeera powder, dhania powder, lemon juice, or fresh mint chutney can make simple dishes more appealing.
6. Plan Easy, Quick Meals
On days when you feel tired, cooking can feel like a burden.
Stock up on ready-to-eat healthy options like sprouted salads, boiled eggs, roasted chana, and cut fruits. Meal prep in advance or ask a family member for help. Having small portions ready in the fridge makes eating easier when you don’t feel like cooking.
7. Focus on Protein and Calories
Your body needs more protein and calories to heal during treatment. Add protein sources like milk, curd, cheese, fish, chicken, or plant-based options like dal, beans, tofu, and soya. Cook with healthy oils like mustard, sesame, or coconut oil for extra calories.
8. Listen to Your Body
Your appetite will change from day to day, and that’s okay. Eat more on days when you feel hungry, and don’t stress if you eat less sometimes. Small wins count, and your body will guide you if you pay attention.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
