At times side effects from treatment can change your relationship with food and what you feel like eating day to day. TEAL CARE is a simple way to guide food and fluid choices when appetite, taste, or energy are low.
T – Take Charge & Check In
- Have I noticed any changes in my energy, shape (unexpected weight loss) or treatment tolerance (recovery) that could be helped by diet.
- If you are noticing changes to how you look and feel, check in with your treatment team as unexpected weight changes can be an indication that your nutrition intakes are not supporting your needs
- Ask to speak to a Dietitian who can help you check if what you are eating is enough or if there are some changes you could make to help you manage any gut or eating difficulties.
- Think about what you can manage to eat across the day that can lift you and your energy levels
- You can take charge of your nutrition health and support needs
Helpful strategies
- Aim for small meals or snacks every 2–3 hours
- Front-load nutrition earlier in the day if mornings are best
- Keep a short list of “safe foods” that usually work
E – Easy-to-Eat Foods
Choose soft, moist, simple textures if you have a sore mouth or a dull appetite.
Examples
- Smoothies or milkshakes
- Yoghurt or plant-based yoghurt
- Porridge, oats, custard
- Scrambled eggs or tofu
- Soups, mashed potato, soft rice, pasta
- Sandwiches with moist fillings
Texture tips
- Add sauces, gravies, or broth to dry foods
- Blend or mash meals if chewing is tiring
A – Adequate Protein
Protein needs can be higher during treatment. Protein is best when you dose it in smaller bites regularly across the day. That means including a higher protein food or two with each of your main meals. Protein supports healing, muscle, and immunity.
Easy protein ideas
- Eggs, tofu, tempeh
- Greek or soy yoghurt
- Milk or soy milk (Smoothies)
- Nuts and nut butters
- Cheese or cottage cheese
- Chicken or fish
- Legumes (lentil soups, baked beans, dhal, chickpeas etc)
- High protein pasta, breads and wraps (check labels)
- If you are struggling to eat foods high in protein, then you can add some protein powder into a drink or into your breakfast meal.
Aim to include protein at every meal and snack.
L – Liquids & Hydration
Hydration supports energy levels, digestion, and bowel function. It can be difficult to keep track of fluid intakes when your not well, so it is recommended to fill up a water bottle and then track your intakes.
Options for fluid
- Water, cordial, herbal tea
- Milk or soy milk
- Smoothies
- Oral nutrition supplements
- Soups and broths
- Fruit (high water content)
Sip regularly if large amounts feel hard.
C – Coffee or Favourite Drinks Count
If you enjoy coffee, tea, or another drink:
- Try an ice coffee
- Add coffee to dull the sweetness of prescribed oral nutrition supplement
- Turn into a smoothie or frappe
Preferred drinks can become nutrition vehicles.
A – Anything Is Better Than Nothing
- Remove pressure to eat “perfectly”
- Even a few mouthfuls count
- Prevent long gaps without intake
Progress > perfection.
R – Regular Fibre (Tailored)
Bowel changes are common when in treatment. This can be a big source of discomfort
Constipation (graduate fibre intakes up slowly + include enough fluid)
- Oats, chia seeds, psyllium, flaxseeds
- Fruit such as kiwi, pears, berries
- Vegetables (add to smoothies, soups if difficult to eat whole)
- Legumes like chicpeas, lentils, baked beans
- Wholegrain breads and cereal foods
- Adequate fluids
- Talk to the medical team about recommended laxative treatments
Diarrhoea
- White rice, white bread, banana, applesauce
- Temporarily reduce high-fibre foods
- Add hydrolyte to water, keep up fluids
Adjust fibre based on symptoms.
E – Enjoy a positive approach to your diet
Fuel up on more of the foods like colourful fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy proteins and fats. Eat with the family or go out with friends even if your appetite is dull. Eat at the time of day and what suits you.
If you are struggling to maintain your weight ask to see a Dietitian who can help you, but try to include some extra higher energy dense foods like
- Add nut butters
- Add olive oil or avocado
- Use full-fat dairy or plant milks
- Choose thicker smoothies
Small portions with more energy can help.
Common Nutrition-Related Side Effects in Ovarian Cancer
- Poor appetite
- Early fullness
- Nausea
- Taste and smell changes
- Mouth sores
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Fatigue
All are manageable with individualised strategies.
Practical Support Ideas
Make up a lunch box
- Yoghurt or soy yoghurt
- Fruit tubs
- Crackers, cheese
- Sandwiches
- Protein or nut bars
- Frozen Up&Gos
Ask friends or family
- “Can you bring breakfast?”
- “Can we eat together?”
- Shared meals reduce pressure and isolation.
Temperature matters
- Some people tolerate room-temperature or warm foods better than icy cold
- Others prefer chilled foods when nauseous
Experiment and adjust.
Taste changes
- Try herbs, lemon, marinades
- Use plastic cutlery if metallic taste
- Rinse mouth before meals
Mouth sores
- Avoid spicy, acidic, rough foods
- Choose smooth, cool, soft foods
- Use sauces and gravies
Remember
Every woman’s experience is different. What works one day may not work the next. Use TEALCARE as a flexible guide and seek support from a dietitian whenever possible.
