Why Do I Need a Diet High in Calories and Protein During Cancer Treatment?
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for anyone, but it becomes even more essential when undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer and its treatments can significantly impact your appetite, metabolism, and nutritional needs. A diet rich in calories and protein helps to support your body through the demanding physical toll cancer treatments can take. But why are these nutrients so important?
Understanding Calories and Protein: Essential Nutrients for Recovery
- Calories: Calories provide your body with the energy it needs to function properly. When you’re sick or recovering from an illness like cancer, your body may require more energy than usual to maintain strength and stamina. Without adequate caloric intake, you may feel weak, fatigued, and may even lose weight unintentionally.
- Protein: Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues. During cancer treatment, protein helps repair cells damaged by treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It also helps rebuild muscle mass, which can be lost due to illness or inactivity. Protein is essential for healing, maintaining strength, and supporting immune function.
Your doctor might recommend a diet high in calories and protein if you’re dealing with any of the following conditions:
- Unintentional weight loss: If you’re losing weight without trying, a diet rich in calories and protein can help you maintain or gain back some of that lost weight.
- Poor appetite: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy often affect your appetite. A calorie-dense diet can ensure you’re still getting enough nutrition even if you can’t eat large portions.
- Recent surgery: After surgery, your body requires additional energy and protein to heal properly and to fight infection.
- Serious burns or infections: If you’re recovering from burns or an infection, your body needs extra nutrients to promote tissue repair and recovery.
- Serious illnesses like cancer: Cancer itself and its treatments can cause significant weight loss, fatigue, and muscle wasting, making protein and calories even more important for recovery.
Foods That Provide Extra Calories and Protein
If you’re struggling to maintain or gain weight, incorporating high-calorie and high-protein foods into your diet is an effective strategy. Below are some nutrient-dense foods and tips on how to increase calories and protein intake:
Grains:
- Add butter, cream cheese, or nut butter to bread, crackers, or pancakes for extra calories.
- Mix pasta or quinoa with meats or vegetables to boost the protein content of your meals.
- Granola is another great option. Sprinkle it on yogurt or hot cereals to increase both protein and calories.
- Indulge in croissants, muffins, and biscuits as a high-calorie snack or side.
Fruits:
- Mix fresh, frozen, or dried fruit into cereal or smoothies for a quick energy boost.
- Drink 100 percent fruit juice, which is high in calories, to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and energy.
- Opt for canned fruit packed in its own juice, or enjoy fresh or frozen fruit for extra nutrients.
Vegetables:
- Add cheese, butter, or sauces to vegetables to make them richer in calories.
- Include avocado in sandwiches or salads for healthy fats and protein.
- Snack on bean dip, guacamole, or hummus with chips for a calorie-packed option.
Dairy:
- Use full-fat milk or other full-fat dairy products to increase calorie intake.
- Add cheese to sandwiches and casseroles for extra protein and fat.
- Make smoothies or shakes with Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or whipping cream for added protein and richness.
- Sour cream or butter can be used in various dishes to elevate both flavor and calories.
- Ice cream, custard, pudding, and cottage cheese are also delicious, calorie-dense options to keep your energy up.
Meats, Poultry, Seafood, and Proteins:
- Add meats or eggs to salads, casseroles, or vegetables to boost the protein content.
- Use gravies and sauces to make meats and dishes more flavorful and calorie-rich.
- Snack on nut
