Nutrition

How can eating well help?

Eating well means choosing a wide variety of nutritious foods every day that provide enough energy (calories), and a good balance of protein and other nutrients, to maintain a healthy weight and help the body withstand and recover from the side-effects of treatment including surgery.

The Eatwell Guide shows the different types of foods and drinks we should consume - and in what proportions - to have a healthy, balanced diet. The Eatwell Guide applies to most people regardless of weight, dietary restrictions/preferences, or ethnic origin. Anyone with special dietary requirements or medical needs might want to check with a registered dietitian on how to adapt the Eatwell Guide to meet their individual needs.

We understand that eating well isn't always easy. Here are some helpful links to leaflets on managing problems with eating with the aim to making eating more enjoyable. Your physiotherapist or dietitian may recommend a specific one to read.

Coping with a small appetite with diabetes
Coping with a small appetite
Coping with a small appetite on a plant based diet

More information about healthy diets can be found on our nutrition and dietetics pages. You can also view helpful guidance about diet during cancer treatment.