People with cancer frequently require a high calorie diet to prevent weight loss. They may also need a diet that is high in protein content to prevent muscle wasting . Foods that are high in calories and protein include peanut butter, whole milk, milkshakes, meats, and cheeses.
Some individuals develop an aversion to fats .
For the diet to remain well-balanced, an intake of fruits and vegetables is essential. To increase calories, use more fruit juices or dried fruits rather than whole fruits. Choosing calorically dense vegetables such as corn, peas, and squashes will also increase the calories in the diet. People with cancer are at risk for developing nutritional deficiencies. The deficiencies may be the result of the cancer itself, or the side effects of common cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy , and radiation therapy .