Balanced diet

What is it?

Cancer Council recommends people with cancer follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines, which give advice on what you need to eat and how much. The guidelines recommend eating a wide variety of foods from all five food groups every day:

• plenty of vegetables of different types and colours, and legumes/beans
• fruit
• grains, mostly wholegrains, such as breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley
• lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans
• milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or alternatives – mostly reduced fat.

Why use it?

A balanced diet will help keep your body healthy and contribute to your wellbeing.

What to expect?

For some people, it is not always possible to eat well during treatment. You can work with an Accredited Practising Dietitian who can ensure you meet your nutritional needs, give you tailored advice on your nutrition and coping with any eating problems you may experience, and assist in managing side effects.

What is the evidence?

There is clinical evidence to show that eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce people’s cancer risk and help people recover from cancer treatment. For more information see Nutrition and cancer, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.