Nutrition and Side Effects

• Eat plain, bland foods such as cereal, canned or fresh fruit, rice, noodles, toast, mashed or baked potato, soup, crackers, plain meat or chicken.
• Eat 6-8 small meals a day.
• Avoid spicy, heavy, fried, sweet, fatty or foods with strong odors.
• Eat and drink slowly; take small bites and sips.
• Have solid food and liquids at different times. Drink beverages between meals instead of during meals.
• If food smells are a problem, prepare or open foods in another room. Choose cold or room-temperature foods. Use cups with lids.
• Learn the best times to eat around treatments.
• Allow some time for food to digest before being active.
• Create a calm environment for meal times.
• Eat dry foods, such as toast, crackers, or dry cereal after waking up and throughout the day.
• Suck on hard candies, such as lemon drops and fruit-flavored candy to help relieve nausea and bad taste in the mouth.
• To further relieve bad taste in the mouth, rinse the mouth before eating with 1 to 2 ounces of a homemade mouth rinse (Recipe: 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and 1 quart of water solution).
• Be careful about eating favorite foods when feeling sick to avoid negative associations with those foods.
• Drink beverages chilled and with a straw.

• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Eat smaller meals.
• Choose mild foods that are easy on the stomach.
• Try the BRAT diet: - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Limit this diet to only for a few days, as it is too low in some nutrients.
• Eat slowly and chew food well.
• Choose high-fiber foods wisely:
  • Soluble fiber found in oatmeal, oat-based cereals, applesauce, bananas, and the inside of apples, pears, and peaches can help firm loose stool.
  • Insoluble fiber found in leafy greens, fruit/vegetable peels, skins and seeds could make diarrhea and cramping worse.
• Avoid carbonated drinks, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli if experiencing stomach cramps.
• Foods to limit or avoid: 
  • Caffeine
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Juice and sugary drinks
  • Foods that are spicy or high in fat or sugar
  • Foods that are very hot or very cold

• Drink plenty of liquids, and try warm beverages.
• Drink beverages with caffeine including coffee, tea, and cola.
• Drink a hot beverage or eat hot cereal first thing in the morning.
• Increase intake of foods with fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Choose whole grain breads and cereals. Read food labels and look for choices with 100% whole wheat, rye, oats, or bran as the first or second ingredient.
  • Eat brown or wild rice instead of white rice or potatoes.
  • Bake with whole wheat flour. You can use it to replace some white or all-purpose flour in recipes.
  • Eat baked beans more often.
  • Add dried beans and peas to casseroles or soups.
  • Choose fresh fruit and vegetables with the peels/skins on instead of as juices.
  • Eat snacks of dried fruit such as prunes, raisins, or craisins.
• Increase physical activity.

• Eat soft foods such as pudding, Jell-O, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, applesauce, bananas, and ice cream.
• Use a blender, or cut food into small pieces so it is easier to eat.
• Use a straw to make liquids easier to swallow.
• Offer cold foods like popsicles, ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, or flavored ice.
• Let cereal soak in milk to soften it before eating.
• Include fruits and vegetables through soups, stews, smoothies, and pureed fruit pouches.
• Use a slow cooker to create moist, tender meals.
• Add gravies to meats.
• Avoid salty, spicy, sour, or very strongly seasoned foods, as these foods may burn the mouth and throat.
• Avoid hard or rough foods like toast and crackers.
• Have a good mouth care routine:
  • Use a soft toothbrush after meals and snacks.
  • Gently place the brush onto each tooth, and move it in a circle. Do not press too hard which could injure the gums.
  • Use dental floss after brushing to clean well between the teeth. Be gentle so as not to injure the gums.
  • Use foam brushed dipped in water if the mouth is too sore to be brushed.
  • Use a mouth rinse if recommended by the care team.
  • Keep lips moisturized.
  • Be sure to see a dentist regularly to check for any cavities or dental concerns.

• Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day.
• Sip on milkshakes, smoothies, and soups.
• Try new foods and seasonings.
• Eat foods with extra of calories such as ice cream, stuffed potatoes, or casseroles.
• Start with small portions and increase gradually.
• Use plastic utensils if food tastes like metal.
• Set reminders to eat. For example, set a phone alarm, or plan to eat at specific times even if not hungry.
• Eat favorite foods at any time of the day. For example, eat breakfast foods for dinner if that’s what sounds good.
• Keep snacks close by.
• Take a walk before meals or do light exercise to increase appetite.
• Limit liquids during meals to allow more room for food.
• Present foods in an attractive way to make them more appealing. Try serving foods on colorful plates or plates that feature a favorite character.

No matter what, some children may have trouble maintaining an appetite during cancer. Some general strategies to improve nutrition include:

• Eat six times a day – three meals and three snacks.
• Power pack meals – offer the high fat version of food or add extra margarine, cheese, gravy, or sauce to foods to make each bite count.
• Maintain variety – offer a variety of foods from all food groups according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.