How do I know if I?m eating the right amount?

Not only is the type of foods eaten important, it is essential to balance the amount of food you eat over the course of the day. Try to use your level of hunger as the best guide – eat when you feel hungry rather than out of boredom or habit. If you need to eat to prevent nausea choose healthy alternatives, such as wholegrain crackers, a sandwich or fruit, and balance this by reducing the size of your main meals. 

Both over eating or under eating can cause problems during your cancer treatment and after your treatment has finished.  It is recommended to eat small, frequent nutritious meals and snacks, particularly if you are feeling nauseas or unwell during your treatment.  This means having three main meals and three snacks each day. 

Skipping meals is not advisable. If poor intake is prolonged, some of the following problems can occur:       

• Severe weight loss and loss of muscle        

• Malnutrition         

• Weakness and fatigue       

• Decreased ability to fight infections         

• Inability to maintain body temperature         

• Decreased blood pressure and pulse         

• Osteoporosis       

• Sleep disturbances         

• Anaemia 

On the other hand overeating can cause problems such as:      

• Overweight and obesity        

• Higher risk of breast cancer         

• Higher risk of heart disease and diabetes        

• Higher risk of high blood pressure and stroke        

• Higher risk of breathlessness and sleep apnoea 

Trying to eat enough to prevent the problems associated with not getting enough nutrients during your treatment, while at the same time trying to prevent weight gain may seem quite difficult at first. Remember, you will be provided with specific guidelines on what to eat, and have the support of a dietitian during and after your treatment.