Nutrition During Ovarian Cancer Treatment: What to Eat When Nothing Sounds Good

Nutrition during ovarian cancer treatment can feel confusing, frustrating, and emotionally heavy. Many people begin treatment determined to eat “the right way,” only to discover that their body responds very differently to food than before. Taste changes, nausea, fatigue, and digestive side effects can make even simple meals feel overwhelming.

In this Teal Talk episode, we sit down with Catherine Macpherson, Senior Vice President and Chief Nutrition Officer at Mom’s Meals, to talk about why eating becomes difficult during treatment and what actually helps. Our conversation reframes nutrition during ovarian cancer treatment as something flexible, compassionate, and manageable rather than perfect.

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Nutrition during ovarian cancer treatment refers to practical, symptom-friendly eating strategies that help people maintain strength, hydration, and energy while managing side effects like nausea, taste changes, fatigue, and digestive issues.

Why eating can feel so hard during ovarian cancer treatment

Nutrition during ovarian cancer treatment can feel unpredictable because treatment often alters how the body experiences food in ways that feel sudden and out of your control.

Catherine explains:

“So chemotherapy, surgery, and medications… impact other cells, including cells lining in the GI tract cells, lining our mouths, so our taste buds… Food that once felt comforting and nourishing… can suddenly just turn people off.”

These changes can cause nausea, bloating, reflux, constipation, or diarrhea, making eating uncomfortable. National cancer experts consistently explain that treatment can affect appetite, taste, smell, and digestion. They emphasize practical approaches like small meals, gentle foods, and listening to your body.

Catherine also names the emotional layer that often gets overlooked:

“Stress, anxiety, and uncertainty can suppress appetite sometimes and really change how the body responds to hunger cues.”

What’s happening in your body

• Chemotherapy and other treatments affect rapidly dividing cells in the mouth and gut, which can change taste, smell, and appetite.
• Many people experience nausea, bloating, reflux, constipation, or diarrhea during treatment.
• Feeling full quickly (early satiety) is common and can make regular meals difficult.
• Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can further suppress hunger cues.
• These changes are expected side effects of treatment, not personal failures.

What to focus on when appetite and energy are low

When appetite is poor, the goal is not perfect eating. The goal is consistent nourishment that supports strength and healing.

Catherine emphasizes:

“When eating’s hard, don’t aim for perfection… it’s about doing little things that can nourish the body in a way that feels manageable.”

Her practical priorities include protein, hydration, and flexibility. She shares easy examples like smoothies with protein, soups with beans or lentils, and eggs.

“So even if it’s small amounts… These small wins can really matter.”

Nutrition professionals consistently emphasize that getting enough calories, protein, and fluids during treatment helps your body maintain strength, protect muscle, and support recovery — even when side effects make eating difficult.

Catherine also directly challenges food guilt, especially around vegetables.

“If cooked vegetables or something isn’t sounding good to you right now, eat what sounds good.”

Simple nutrition priorities during treatment:

• Aim for consistency, not perfection in eating.
• Prioritize protein to help maintain muscle and strength.
• Take small, frequent meals or snacks rather than three large meals.
• Stay hydrated with small sips throughout the day.
• Be flexible — what works one week may not work the next.
• Let go of food guilt; eating what sounds good is often the best option during treatment.

Practical food strategies for common side effects

Side effects can change week to week, so it helps to keep a short list of “try this next” options. Start with one or two strategies and adjust as needed.

If you feel nauseated

• Try small, frequent snacks instead of full meals.
• Choose bland foods (toast, rice, oatmeal, crackers).
• Use cold or room-temperature foods if smells trigger nausea.
• Sip fluids slowly throughout the day.

If food tastes metallic or “off”

• Use plastic, bamboo, or wooden utensils instead of metal.
• Add citrus (lemon, lime) or mild herbs if tolerated.
• Choose soft foods (yogurt, eggs, smoothies, soups).

If you have diarrhea or dehydration concerns

• Stick with gentle foods like bananas, applesauce, rice, toast, oatmeal.
• Focus on hydration and electrolytes in small sips.

When you are too tired to cook

Fatigue is one of the biggest barriers to nutrition during ovarian cancer treatment. Catherine emphasizes that simplicity matters most.

“Simpler is better during treatment. Eating something that feels manageable is gonna be far more important than trying to eat perfectly.”

Through NOCC’s partnership with Mom’s Meals, many survivors can access nutritious, ready-to-eat meals at no cost, especially those living alone or without caregiver support.

How to make nutrition easier when energy is low:

• Keep simple grab-and-go foods on hand (yogurt, soup, protein shakes, toast, eggs).
• Accept help from friends, family, or neighbors for meals or groceries.
• Use ready-to-eat or medically tailored meal delivery when cooking feels overwhelming.
• Reduce decision fatigue by having meals already prepared in your refrigerator.
• Remember: eating something manageable is better than trying to eat perfectly.

Conclusion

Nutrition during ovarian cancer treatment does not have to be perfect to be powerful. Small choices, self-compassion, and practical support can make a meaningful difference in how you feel day to day. You do not have to do this alone. NOCC’s partnership with Mom’s Meals, our nutrition portal, and our patient support services exist to lighten your load.

Together, we can make nourishment easier, gentler, and more hopeful.

Frequently asked questions about nutrition during ovarian cancer treatment