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Guide for patients and loved ones

What to eat today

Simple, safe and tasty choices for today, even when appetite is low.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Hot soup
Figure 1.Hot soup — What to eat today

01Short answer

Today choose freshly cooked hot food: soup, well-cooked rice or pasta, fully cooked chicken or meat, cooked vegetables and fully cooked eggs. Pasteurised yoghurt and milk, well-washed and peeled fruit, and bread and biscuits in sealed packs are fine too. Eat small amounts often. Drink enough fluid. With nausea, cold or room-temperature food without strong smells is easier. Avoid raw meat, raw eggs, unpasteurised products and leftovers from yesterday.

02Simple explanation

The simple rule for today: fresh, hot, cooked through.

Small amounts, often.

03Scientific explanation

During chemotherapy taste changes and mucositis can reduce eating; soft, moist textures are easier to swallow.

Weight loss and poor nutrition can reduce tolerance of treatment, so dietitian support is recommended.

04What happens in the body?

Morning

Porridge or rice pudding (with pasteurised milk), a fully cooked egg, bread and a peeled banana.

During the day

Hot soup, cooked chicken or fish, rice, pasta and cooked vegetables; for snacks, pasteurised yoghurt and biscuits in sealed packs.

Small portions
Figure 2.Small portions — What to eat today

Mouth sores and nausea

Soft, moist food that is not too hot or acidic; small portions; dry crackers. Ask your team for more advice.

Water
Figure 3.Water — What to eat today

05Today’s food

Four steps.

A clean start — Hands and surfaces.1A clean startHands and surfaces.
Cook fresh — Food cooked through.2Cook freshFood cooked through.
Small portions — Often.3Small portionsOften.
Drink enough — Water and allowed drinks.4Drink enoughWater and allowed drinks.
StrengthThe body gets energy.
SafetyInfection risk goes down.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
MorningPorridge or rice pudding (with pasteurised milk), a fully cooked egg, bread and a peeled banana.
During the dayHot soup, cooked chicken or fish, rice, pasta and cooked vegetables; for snacks, pasteurised yoghurt and biscuits in sealed packs.
Mouth sores and nauseaSoft, moist food that is not too hot or acidic; small portions; dry crackers. Ask your team for more advice.

07Key terms

Mucositis
Inflammation of the lining of the mouth and gut.
Pasteurised
Heat-treated to kill germs.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.

08Key points

  • Eat fresh, fully cooked food.
  • Small amounts, often.
  • Drink enough.
  • Avoid risky foods.

09Frequently asked questions

What if I have no appetite?

Eat small amounts of favourite safe foods; if it lasts, tell your team.

Can I drink coffee?

Usually yes; cut down if you have mouth sores or nausea.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What if I have no appetite?

  2. Can I drink coffee?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. NHS. How to wash your hands
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
  5. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  6. NHS. Sepsis
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask about Cancer Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Female Fertility and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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