Diet Guidelines for Boosting Calories During Cancer Treatment
Energy = calories: During cancer treatments, the body needs extra energy to heal. Calories provide our body energy. If enough energy/calories are not provided from food, the body breaks down muscle mass to provide energy. When the body breaks down muscle it can cause weakness, slow recovery, and may cause a poor appetite — decreasing the ability to consume enough calories. The following foods provide high amounts of energy/calories even in small amounts.
Food item | Amount | Calories | Recommendations |
Nut Butters (Peanut, Almond, Cashew) | 2 tablespoons | 190 calories |
|
Avocado | 1/2 avocado | 160 calories |
|
Honey | 1 tablespoon | 65 calories |
|
Coconut Coconut milk (in a can) Coconut Cream (in a can) |
1/4 cup (shredded) 1/3 cup 2 tablespoons |
115 calories 120 calories 95 calories |
|
Dried Fruit: Raisins Apricots Dates Prunes |
1/2 cup dried fruit | 250 calories |
|
Heavy Cream | 1 tablespoon | 50 calories |
|
Half & Half | 1 tablespoon 1 cup |
20 calories 315 calories |
|
Sour Cream | 2 tablespoons | 40 calories |
|
Oils (Olive, Coconut) or Butter | 1 tablespoon | 120 calories |
|
Mayonnaise | 1 tablespoon | 95 calories |
|
Syrups | 2 tablespoons | 100 calories |
|
Granola | 1/4 cup | 130 calories |
|
Ground Flaxseed | 2 tablespoons | 70 calories |
|
Hemp seeds or hearts | 3 tablespoons | 180 calories |
|
Hummus | 2 tablespoons | 70 calories |
|
Cream Cheese | 1 tablespoon | 50 calories |
|
Shredded Cheese | 1/2 cup | 230 calories |
|
Content written by Nutrition Department.
Produced by ERAS Program and Patient Education Department.
Reviewed by Patient & Family Advisors.