Chemotherapy can be both physically exhausting and emotionally draining, making nutrition a critical part of treatment. Eating the right foods at the right times helps maintain energy levels, reduce nausea, and support overall recovery. Nutritionists emphasise the importance of small, frequent meals that are easy to digest, along with adequate hydration to prevent dehydration and improve tolerance to treatment. Foods that are fatty, greasy, or overly spicy should be avoided, as they can aggravate nausea and digestive discomfort. Choosing bland, nutrient-rich options can make chemotherapy days more manageable and provide the body with essential fuel. According to Stanford HealthCare, proper planning of meals before, during, and after treatment ensures better comfort, supports healing, and helps patients maintain strength throughout their chemotherapy journey.Eating recommendations on chemotherapy daysOn days when chemotherapy is scheduled, it is best to eat lightly and in small, easily digestible portions. Consuming food slowly every few hours can help prevent nausea, maintain energy levels, and support overall nutritional balance. Avoid skipping meals, as this can worsen feelings of nausea, fatigue, and weakness. Eating a small meal or snack before your infusion is particularly important to ensure your body has enough fuel to cope with treatment and help stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day. What to eat before chemotherapyLight and bland foods are generally the easiest to tolerate before chemotherapy. These options are gentle on the stomach while providing essential nutrients and energy. Some recommended foods include:Plain or fruit-flavoured yogurtFresh fruit and cottage cheesePoached eggs with toastToasted bagel with a small amount of peanut butterCereal with milk or milk alternatives such as Lactaid or soy milkChicken and rice soup served with saltine crackersHot cereal with creamy nut butter or milk alternativeEating these foods slowly in small portions can help prevent nausea and provide a stable source of energy during treatment.Nutrition during chemotherapyNot everyone feels like eating during chemotherapy infusions, and that is completely normal. However, consuming small amounts of food can help maintain energy and reduce discomfort. Sipping liquids slowly every half hour is also recommended.Consider bringing bland snacks to your chemotherapy appointments. Suitable options include:Low-acid juices such as apple or grape juiceLiquid yogurtCrackers and bland fruits such as bananas, melon, or applesauceA water bottle with your favourite non-acidic beverageIt is also helpful to ask the infusion nurse whether light snacks are available at the treatment centre, such as juice and crackers.What to eat after chemotherapy and in the following daysAfter chemotherapy, nutrition should focus on small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day, aiming for five to six smaller meals instead of three large ones. This approach can help maintain energy and manage side effects such as nausea.Recommended strategies include:Eating low-fat, bland foods that are gentle on the stomachChoosing cold or cool foods to minimise strong odours and aromas, which can trigger nauseaDrinking fluids frequently to prevent dehydration and help flush out chemotherapy byproducts. Water is the best option, but other fluids such as apple or grape juice, fruit nectar, clear soups, broth, sports drinks, popsicles, sherbet, gelatin, and herbal teas such as ginger or mint are also suitableEating small, bland meals slowly, staying hydrated, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods can significantly improve comfort during chemotherapy. Planning meals before, during, and after treatment, along with choosing gentle, nutrient-rich foods, can help patients feel better and maintain strength throughout their treatment journey.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult their oncologist, dietitian, or healthcare provider before making any changes to their diet or treatment plan.