Video: How to keep your weight up during cancer treatment

How to keep your weight up during cancer treatment

When cancer makes it hard to eat well, boost your nutrition by planning ahead.

• Stock up. Store ready-to-eat favorites you'll like even when you're not feeling great.
• Track your appetite. Eat your biggest meal when you're hungriest.
• Break the rules. If you love breakfast, eat it for dinner.
• Try smaller meals more often. You can boost your intake of protein and calories.
• Go easy on liquids at mealtime. They can take the place of important nutrients, so hydrate between meals and snacks.
• Become a smoothie master. Pack them with healthy calories. Think protein powder or full-fat yogurt.
• Add nut butters and avocados to the menu. They're calorie-dense and are good sources of healthy fats. (Plus, the nuts pack protein.)
• Carry snacks everywhere. Keep snack packs in your car, bag or drawer. Nuts, protein bars and dried fruit are great choices.
• Keep your muscles strong. Find ways to maintain muscle and bone strength while conserving your energy.
• Eat what you're craving. Allow yourself extra calories, fat and protein for now. It's what your body needs.

Guidance from the doctors, nurses and specialists for cancer care at Mayo Clinic.

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