Cancer fatigue can linger after treatment: How to manage it at work and home

Simple dishes such as steamed fish with tofu, chicken and vegetable soup, minced chicken porridge with egg, baked salmon with potato, stir-fried tofu with vegetables, or bean-based soups can be nutritious and easy to consume, said Jocelyn Fong, a senior dietitian from 365 Cancer Prevention Society. 

A patient’s appetite, food preferences, and tolerance to certain foods may change throughout the treatment journey, Fong added, so exploring different cooking methods such as steaming, baking, stewing, stir-frying, grilling and air-frying can help provide variety and accommodate changing taste preferences.

When ordering food delivery: Look for meals that contain a good source of protein, said Ong. “For example, in a typical three-dish meal, at least one or two dishes should be protein-rich, such as fish, chicken, eggs, tofu or legumes.” 

Fong suggested simple modifications to increase the intake of energy and protein. For example, choose creamy soups over clear soups. “Consider ordering an extra serving of protein, such as fish, chicken, eggs, tofu or legumes, if appetite permits,” she said. “Include energy-dense snacks or desserts such as soybean curd, black sesame paste, green bean soup, yoghurt or milk-based drinks.”