A Food Checklist, based on the Food Guide pyramid, was developed and validated as a quick method to determine the adequacy of dietary energy and protein intakes in cancer patients. Food intake data were monitored for 34 hospitalized oncology patients for two days. Caloric and protein intake estimates computed using the Food Checklist were correlated 0.99 (p <0.0001) with computer estimates of Nutritionist III validating the Food Checklist as an accurate, time-saving method for quickly assessing the adequacy of a cancer patient's diet. By highlighting the times during the day food intake was adequate and the food groups best tolerated by each patient, the Food Checklist could be a valuable tool for maximizing the effect of nutritional strategies.