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Nutrition and daily life

Breakfast, lunch and dinner: a sample day

During treatment meals often become irregular because of nausea, tests and procedures. A simple daily framework helps keep energy steady. This section is an example for inspiration, not a personal menu.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Porridge, egg and tea.
Figure 1.Morning — Breakfast, lunch and dinner: a sample day

01Short answer

Morning: porridge (oats, rice or semolina), a hard-boiled egg, pasteurised yogurt or cheese, tea. Lunch: hot soup, rice or potato, well-cooked meat, chicken, fish or legumes, cooked vegetables. Dinner: lighter, such as an omelette, a stew or pasta. In between, 2–3 snacks: cooked fruit, biscuits, yogurt. If your appetite is better in the morning, move the main meal there. All food should be freshly cooked and follow the rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.

02Simple explanation

Three meals plus snacks.

Protein at each.

Fresh and hot.

Adapt to your appetite.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: appetite is often best in the morning; making that the biggest meal can raise total intake.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

In hospital

When choosing from the menu, pick hot, freshly cooked dishes.

Soup and a hot plate.
Figure 2.Lunch — Breakfast, lunch and dinner: a sample day

With family

Eating together lifts mood; if the food is safe, share the table.

An omelette and vegetables.
Figure 3.Dinner — Breakfast, lunch and dinner: a sample day

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
In hospitalWhen choosing from the menu, pick hot, freshly cooked dishes.
With familyEating together lifts mood; if the food is safe, share the table.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Main meal
The biggest meal of the day.
Snack
A small meal between meals.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • A regular rhythm.
  • Protein at every meal.
  • Stay flexible.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

What if I do not want breakfast?

Start with a glass of milk or a small snack.

I get hungry at night; can I eat?

Yes, a light snack is fine.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

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 do not want breakfast?

  2. I get hungry at night; can I eat?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  2. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  4. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  5. British Dietetic Association. Fat: Food Fact Sheet
  6. British Dietetic Association. Omega-3: Food Fact Sheet
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Dietary Fiber
  8. NHS. How to get more fibre into your diet
  9. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Fiber
  10. British Dietetic Association. Fibre: Food Fact Sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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