Eating well after cancer: A dietitian’s guide to recovery

When we think about cancer recovery, nutrition might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But according to BlueCare dietitian Caitlin Fulford, what we eat plays a crucial role in supporting recovery after treatment. 

Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Once it’s over, many people find themselves unsure how to regain their strength, and eating well doesn’t always feel easy.

According to dietitian Caitlin Fulford, nutrition can play a powerful role in the healing process, offering both nourishment and comfort at a time when the body needs it most. 

“Nutrition is really important for many aspects of recovery,” Caitlin says. “We need energy from food to go about our day, and we need enough protein to support our immune system, rebuild strength and repair our bodies.”

Avoiding malnutrition

It’s common to feel depleted after treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer therapies can lead to fatigue, bowel issues, taste changes, nausea, loss of appetite, and more; all of which can make eating well, or even eating at all, a challenge.

Because of this, there’s a real risk of malnutrition after cancer treatment, says Caitlin. “When you're unwell, you might struggle to eat, or to eat the right types and amounts of food. That puts you at risk of protein and energy malnutrition, and that can have huge effects.”  Malnutrition can lead to a loss of muscle mass and strength, making everyday activities like showering or preparing a meal feel exhausting. It can also delay healing from wounds or surgeries, weaken the immune system, and negatively impact mood.

Signs you might be malnourished 

Malnutrition doesn’t always look like weight loss. “Some people, including women with breast cancer, may gain weight during or after treatment due to the side effects of medications, menopause or fatigue-related inactivity,” Caitlin explains. “But you can gain fat mass while still losing muscle, and that means you can still be at risk of malnutrition.”

So what are the signs? Caitlin suggests watching for: 

• Eating less than usual

• Taste changes that reduce food variety

• Choosing only easy-to-eat foods, which can be low in nutrition

• Feeling too tired to shop, cook, or eat regular meals

• Unintentional weight loss

• Social isolation

Taste changes are especially common and can make nutritious foods unappealing. “Red meat for example can develop a metallic taste during and after chemotherapy, leading people to avoid it altogether,” says Caitlin. As a key source of iron and protein, cutting out lean meats can limit important nutrients at a time when your body needs them most.

Food for body and mind

Getting enough protein and food-energy are two of the most important nutrition goals after treatment.

“If you don’t get enough energy, your body can break down muscle to fuel itself. So, we want to make sure people are eating enough energy to preserve their muscle, while getting enough protein to rebuild and repair,” explains Caitlin. She recommends smaller, more frequent meals that includes a protein source. Foods like meat, chicken, eggs, legumes, dairy, tofu or nuts, as well as protein-rich snacks like yoghurt, smoothies, dips and cheese. 

Variety is important too. “We want people to eat from all the core food groups, including vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, dairy, meat and alternatives. A colourful, varied diet helps provide the vitamins and minerals the body and brain need to function.”

Support when it’s needed

While a healthy diet is important, Caitlin there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Side effects, appetite, treatment types and personal preferences all vary.

“Seeing a dietitian means you can get a nutrition plan that’s tailored to your health status, your goals and what your body needs,” she says.  “The right nutrition can make a big difference, not just to your recovery, but to your quality of life after cancer.” After months of treatment, the joy of eating can sometimes get lost. But reconnecting with that enjoyment, whether through favourite flavours or a meal shared, can support healing in meaningful ways.

“Our carers at BlueCare can support someone to prepare meals, or even just sit down and share a meal together,” Caitlin says. “It’s easy to forget the social aspect of eating, especially when we live alone or aren’t feeling well, but it really does matter.”