The treatment of breast cancer has a lot of effects on the body. On some days, your body is weak, and on some days it feels better. Eating also changes during this time. The goal is not to follow strict rules. The goal is to eat what feels light, safe, and easy on the body.
What Helps (Eat More) | What to Limit/Avoid |
Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, papaya, and berries | Packaged snacks like chips and instant noodles |
Vegetables like spinach, carrots, beetroot, broccoli | Sugary foods like sweets, soft drinks, and bakery items |
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, ragi, and jowar | Fried and oily foods |
Protein foods like dal, chana, rajma, eggs, paneer, curd, and fish | Alcohol and smoking |
Healthy fats like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, olive oil | Excess red meat |
Fluids like water, coconut water, and light soups | Packaged ready-to-eat foods |
What Helps the Body
During treatment, the body requires simple and easy-to-digest food. Fruits and vegetables are handy as they are light and nutritious. They also aid in digestion in case the body is sensitive. If you want, you can follow the following plan by consulting your doctor.
Breakfast: Oatmeal cooked in water or use low-fat milk, flax seeds and blueberries.
Lunch: Mixed green salad with leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, chickpeas, and olive oil dressing, and grilled chicken or baked tofu according to your preference.
Evening Snack: Greek yoghurt (plain) and drizzle it with honey, and have it together with one fruit.
Dinner: Baked salmon (or fatty fish) and roasted broccoli and asparagus, and quinoa on the side.
Beverages: Green tea or ginger tea
Focus on protein and fibre. Protein helps the body to be strong and healthy. Lentils, eggs, paneer, curd, fish and chicken support recovery. Healthy fats help the body to be balanced. Nuts, seeds and olive oil can be eaten in enough quantities. Water, soups, and coconut water can be used in case the body is tired or dehydrated.
Ways to manage
There is no perfect diet plan that exists. The body determines what it will be able to cope with in a day. Home-cooked food often feels easier and more comforting. There are days when appetite is good and other days when it is low. That is normal. The focus stays on eating what feels possible, not forcing meals. Food and breast cancer treatment should not be stressful.