Many MyMyelomaTeam members describe shifting toward more plant-based foods, along with fish or lean proteins.

“I have changed my diet since diagnosis. I eat more vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. I eat very little red meat.”

 

— A MyMyelomaTeam member

Another member wrote, “No red meat but still do fish and chicken. Lots of vegetables and fruit. Try to do greens, beans, and grain every day.”

This lines up with general nutrition guidance that emphasizes lean proteins, whole grains, and a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.

Many members say they eat less processed foods and sugary drinks, but they also make those changes in ways that feel realistic.

“I have switched to whole foods. Trying to stay away from processed foods, breads, and pastas and avoiding sugar as much as possible. I think that this has been very positive for me,” one member shared.

Another shared that, in addition to cutting back on meat in favor of vegetables and fruits, they are limiting processed foods and high-sugar drinks. “No sodas or caffeine; mostly water, Pedialyte, pomegranate juice, Concord grape without sugar, tart cherry juice, probiotic drinks.”

”Trying to stay away from processed foods, breads, and pastas and avoiding sugar as much as possible. I think that this has been very positive for me.”

 

— A MyMyelomaTeam member

General myeloma nutrition guidance suggests limiting sugary drinks and highly processed foods. That doesn’t mean you have to overhaul everything overnight. Small, easily manageable shifts still count.

Also, keep in mind that drinks like juice or probiotic beverages may not be the best choice for those with weakened immune systems, depending on their treatment plan. It's a good idea to ask your care team what fits your needs.

Appetite shifts and taste changes are common during treatment. Some people lose interest in food, while others find that familiar foods taste different, bland, or just “off.”

One MyMyelomaTeam member explained, “I rarely taste food, except I do taste sweet things. I was told to eat nevertheless, so I do. My weight is back to what is more normal for me. … I also drink eight to 12 glasses of water daily.”

Another member shared how they adjusted: “I'm still being urged by my primary care doctor to eat more protein. Meats aren't that attractive, so I've started on nuts, hemp hearts, and higher-protein breads and grains.”

“I rarely taste food, except I do taste sweet things. I was told to eat nevertheless, so I do. My weight is back to what is more normal for me.”

 

— A MyMyelomaTeam member

Myeloma treatment can cause loss of appetite and changes in taste or smell. Because of that, some people may need extra protein and more calories than usual during treatment.

Hydration matters, too. It's essential to be hydrated during treatment, especially when side effects make eating or drinking feel harder. Ask your doctor about your fluid needs.

Digestive side effects can make full meals feel like too much. Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and taste changes are all common nutrition-related challenges during cancer treatment.

As one MyMyelomaTeam member put it, “Most of the chemo drugs we're on can cause bad gas, cramping from constipation, and/or bad diarrhea. The last thing we need is to eat large meals and bloat our stomachs. Small meals are much easier to digest.”

Another member shared their strategy for staying regular: “I have found that eating cereal with granola and blueberries or bananas several days a week will help with constipation. Also eating applesauce or raw apples regularly helps.”

Many people find that eating smaller meals or snacks throughout the day is easier to manage than large meals.

Fatigue is another common barrier to eating well. On low-energy days, even simple cooking can feel like more than you can manage.

One member described adapting their routine, including making meals last: “As much as I love cooking, I find that I cook enough for several meals at once and use them as I need them. Walmart has turkey breasts for $12 and they last for at least three days, with sandwiches in between. … I am cooking chili today in my crockpot that will cover three meals.”

Another member shared their tricks for saving energy when cooking: “I put my hubby to work to help. I can't lift pans from the cabinet or in and out of the oven. I bought a smaller Crock-Pot because I can't lift my family-sized one.”

“As much as I love cooking, I find that I cook enough for several meals at once and use them as I need them.”

 

— A MyMyelomaTeam member

Planning ahead can help on days when energy is low. Also, many stores sell nutritious, premade snacks that can help fill the nutrition gap.