Eating Well During Cancer Treatment

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Cancer Support Community

two plates with ice cream, an avocado and cranberries on them

Cranberry Coconut Popsicle

What is better for a dry mouth than a cool, soothing popsicle? Unlike typical frozen treats, this cranberry coconut popsicle provides fiber, healthy fat, and protein. It is the perfect snack for cancer patients who are experiencing dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and/or mouth sores from radiation treatment. The popsicles are also very versatile – you can also use other enjoyable juices fruits that you have on hand!

This recipe is a smooth and flavorful breakfast for cancer patients. Sweet maple syrup is paired with tart berries for a flavorful fruit compote. This delicious treat is an ideal meal or snack for those experiencing taste changes, aversions to sour taste, and/or difficulty swallowing. Rich in antioxidants and fiber, this breakfast is an easy, nutritious and balanced meal. Diet And Nutrition, Foods For Cancer Patients, Cornmeal Porridge Recipes, Maple Syrup, Fruit Compote, Sour Taste, Nutritious, Compote Recipe, Antioxidants

Diet And Nutrition

Foods For Cancer Patients

Cornmeal Porridge Recipes

Polenta with Fruit Compote

This recipe is a smooth and flavorful breakfast for cancer patients. Sweet maple syrup is paired with tart berries for a flavorful fruit compote. This delicious treat is an ideal meal or snack for those experiencing taste changes, aversions to sour taste, and/or difficulty swallowing. Rich in antioxidants and fiber, this breakfast is an easy, nutritious and balanced meal.

Spaghetti Squash Recipes

Savory

Recipe Using

Savory Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

This recipe uses a unique squash that contains soft textured strands that are similar to spaghetti, which gives it its pasta inspired name! Savor Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is helpful for cancer patients experiencing mouth irritation, difficulty chewing and/or swallowing, or digestive issues because squash is soft, tender and easy to digest. The flavorful filling may be welcome to those experiencing metallic or bland tastes during and after treatment.

an image of almonds with the words almond banana wheatberry cereal

Almond Banana Wheatberry Cereal

A delicious and healthy way to start the day! Wheatberries are an ancient grain, high in fiber and protein, and have a nutty, chewy texture. Almond Banana Wheatberry Cereal is a perfect meal or snack for those with a sore mouth or throat or when nauseous, fatigued or just busy. A full pot can be made and kept in the refrigerator for the week ahead. This cereal is also very versatile; it can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature and you can add any toppings that suit your tastes.

Baked Apple Yogurt Parfait

A simple breakfast for those on the go! High in calories and protein, this parfait is ideal for cancer patients who have experienced weight loss during treatment. Cancer survivors and caregivers looking for a lower fat option can use low fat Greek yogurt and omit the granola to have a healthy, low calorie snack or breakfast. If chewing and/or swallowing is difficult, cook the apples until fully soft and replace the nuts and granola with a spoonful of finely ground nuts.

Ideas

Potato Frittata

Food For Chemo Patients Meals

Potato Frittata Recipes

Cancer Foods

Protein Foods

Health Food

The Potato Frittata is ideal for cancer patients experiencing diarrhea because it doesn’t contain irritating roughage or gaseous vegetables, provides potassium which is an important electrolyte that can be lost with diarrhea (or vomiting), & includes a healthy amount of protein which is essential for healing. To boost the antioxidant and fiber content , you can add other vegetables or herbs, such as carrots, zucchini, broccoli and basil.

a scoop of ice cream on top of a pan with a popsicle in it

Smoothie Recipes

Protein

Cancer Fighting Smoothies Recipes

This simple lentil soup is bursting with colors and flavors and is easy to prepare in one pot. Red lentils are a small, orange colored legume that are high in fiber and protein. The celery, carrots, and zucchini also provide an abundance of fiber and nutrients which are helpful for a cancer patient to keep the immune system strong and promote regular bowel movements. If your mouth is sore or irritated, you can omit the lime juice and reduce or omit the tomatoes.

This version is designed to be soft and easily tolerated for those experiencing mouth pain. Broccoli is full of cancer-fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants, while the chicken is high in protein - both important nutrients for cancer patients and survivors. Dice or shred the chicken and broccoli into small pieces as needed for ease in chewing and swallowing. If you are sensitive to dairy, omit the milk and replace with chicken broth and use non-dairy cheese shreds. Healthy Eating, Casserole Recipes, Casserole, Chicken Broth, Recipe For Mom, Heathy Food

This version is designed to be soft and easily tolerated for those experiencing mouth pain. Broccoli is full of cancer-fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants, while the chicken is high in protein - both important nutrients for cancer patients and survivors. Dice or shred the chicken and broccoli into small pieces as needed for ease in chewing and swallowing. If you are sensitive to dairy, omit the milk and replace with chicken broth and use non-dairy cheese shreds.

Switch up your typical fruit smoothie with melons! This smoothie has a mild, yet fresh, flavor - perfect for those experiencing side effects from cancer treatment, such as mouth sores and difficulty swallowing. High in protein and fiber, the Banana Melon Smoothie is perfect for an afternoon snack or an on-the-go breakfast. If you are sensitive to dairy, you can easily replace the whole milk for almond milk and use coconut or soy yogurt. Special Recipes, Nutritional Smoothie, Protein Smoothie, Fruit Smoothies, Melon Smoothie

Switch up your typical fruit smoothie with melons! This smoothie has a mild, yet fresh, flavor - perfect for those experiencing side effects from cancer treatment, such as mouth sores and difficulty swallowing. High in protein and fiber, the Banana Melon Smoothie is perfect for an afternoon snack or an on-the-go breakfast. If you are sensitive to dairy, you can easily replace the whole milk for almond milk and use coconut or soy yogurt.

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This take on the classic macaroni and cheese is a treat. Rich in heart healthy fat from the avocado, it also contains protein, and fiber making it indulgent yet nutritious. It is also high in calories, perfect for cancer patients who need to gain weight. A lightened version can be prepared using skim or almond milk in place of the whole milk and reduced amounts of butter and cheese. For added color and fiber, top with colorful steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetable.

two salmon fillets on a white plate with lemon wedges and rosemary garnish

Delicious and simple, this baked salmon recipe is perfect for any occasion. The lemon zest and juice give it a delightful flavor - perfect for head and neck cancer patients with dry mouth from radiation treatment. Wild salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein; both important nutrients cancer patients and survivors. For a healthy, balanced meal, pair with roasted vegetables and a whole grain such as quinoa or brown rice!

a white bowl filled with soup on top of a wooden table

Wild Rice Soup Recipes

Wild Rice Soup

Food For Nausea

A warming and hearty meal, this soup is perfect for those experiencing nausea and/or vomiting from cancer treatment. Ginger has been shown to help soothe nausea, while broth-based soups can provide much-needed fluids and electrolytes. High in protein and cancer-fighting antioxidants, it is also an ideal meal for those looking for a healthy and flavorful soup to prepare ahead of time and to store in the freezer.

This soup has so much to offer a cancer patient – good nutrition, delicious taste, and soothing warmth. Roasting the cauliflower adds a rich flavor, while the potatoes thicken the soup without the use of cream. This soup is ideal for cancer patients experiencing mouth soreness, mouth pain, and/or difficulty chewing or swallowing. Even cancer survivors and caregivers would truly enjoy a big bowl of this soup. Healing Soup, Roasted Cauliflower Soup, Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe, Roasted Cauliflower, Cauliflower Soup, Cauliflower Soup Recipes, Cancer Fighting Foods

Healing Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower Soup

Cauliflower Soup Recipes

Cancer Fighting Foods

This soup has so much to offer a cancer patient – good nutrition, delicious taste, and soothing warmth. Roasting the cauliflower adds a rich flavor, while the potatoes thicken the soup without the use of cream. This soup is ideal for cancer patients experiencing mouth soreness, mouth pain, and/or difficulty chewing or swallowing. Even cancer survivors and caregivers would truly enjoy a big bowl of this soup.

turkey meatballs with butternut squash dipping sauce in a white bowl on a table

Easy Dipping Sauce

Butternut Squash Sauce

Tasty Meatballs

Dipping Sauces Recipes

Soft Foods

These delicious meatballs are a nutritious treat that can be served as a snack or a meal. Using turkey instead of ground beef makes these much leaner and easier on the digestive system, yet still a good source of protein. The meatballs are also made with oats which provide soluble fiber to help manage diarrhea. The butternut squash sauce is made with well-cooked squash which gives the meatball a unique hint of flavor.

three sweet potatoes sitting on top of a wooden table with the title, sweet potato chilli recipe to help with swallowing

Tomato Free Chili Recipe

Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Sweet Potato Chili

Chili Recipes

This Sweet Potato Chili has a balanced and smooth flavor. It is an ideal tomato-free chili recipe for cancer patients who have difficulty swallowing and/or mouth sores from treatment and/or who are sensitive to acidity. Unlike typical meat-based chilis that are high in saturated fat, this version is a low fat nutritious treat and is high in protein, fiber, and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Enjoy it topped with avocado, cheese, or other palatable toppings.

a white plate topped with tortilla chips and a bowl of beet hummus

This modern version of the classic hummus recipe incorporates beets to give a smooth, savory and beautiful ruby red dip. It is a great snack for cancer patients who need soft foods, are experiencing changes in taste and/or have an aversion to sweeter snacks. For added calories to help combat weight loss, add extra tahini or olive oil, to taste. If mouth soreness or pain is an issue, simply reduce the lemon juice or omit it altogether and substitute the same amount of water.

Popsicles are an ideal snack for patients who have mouth sores. These popsicles will help soothe and numb the mouth, but also provide a healthy amount of protein to help with healing. The turmeric and cinnamon in these popsicles provide a warm and balanced flavor. If a popsicle is too cold for your mouth, enjoy these as a smoothie or scooped on top of oatmeal. Ice Lolly Recipes

Ice Lolly Recipes

Golden Milk Popsicle Recipe

Popsicles are an ideal snack for patients who have mouth sores. These popsicles will help soothe and numb the mouth, but also provide a healthy amount of protein to help with healing. The turmeric and cinnamon in these popsicles provide a warm and balanced flavor. If a popsicle is too cold for your mouth, enjoy these as a smoothie or scooped on top of oatmeal.

Vegetable Soup Recipes

Healthy Liver

Healthy Liver Diet

Healthy Bowel Movement

Turkey and Barley Vegetable Soup Recipe

This soup is comforting and delicious and is a great option for those who have trouble swallowing. It is also high in protein, which is important for healing, and a good source of fiber, which helps promote healthy bowel movements. To save time, make barley ahead of time or swap it out for quinoa which has a shorter cooking time.

Overnight Oats

Oats Recipes

Overnight Oats Recipe

Oats

Herbalism

Mango Lassi Overnight Oats Recipe

Overnight oats are an easy make-ahead breakfast for patients with cancer. The mango provides a sweet flavor and the Greek yogurt is slightly tart, making this breakfast bowl perfect for those with dry mouth. This recipe is ideal for those undergoing cancer treatment who need extra protein, fiber, and calories. Serve with a cup of lemon herbal tea for a tasty breakfast.

the cover of chicken puttanesca over zucchini noodles

Pasta

Whole Wheat Pasta

Zucchini Noodle Recipes

Zucchini Noodles

Wheat Pasta

Chicken Puttanesca over Zucchini Noodles Recipe

This chicken dish features vibrant flavors from olives, capers, and tomatoes. The chicken pairs perfectly with nutritious zucchini noodles. Find these in the frozen vegetable section at the grocery store. You can also use a spiralizer to make your own. This recipe is also full of nutrition: high in fiber, protein, and healthy fat. If you are looking for extra calories to promote weight gain, choose whole wheat pasta instead of spiralized vegetables.

Cheesy Chicken Millet Bake Recipe

This millet bake is just as comforting as a traditional chicken and rice casserole, but higher in protein and fiber. The leeks add a rich flavor and the cheese gives it a creamy texture. It is a perfect meal to make ahead of time to freeze in individual portions. Since it is high in calories and protein, this millet bake is a good recipe to help those needing to gain weight.

Cauliflower Burgers Recipe

These burgers are made from cauliflower and millet, two foods that are high in fiber, making them ideal to relieve constipation. They are also high in protein to help with healing. You can get riced cauliflower in the frozen vegetable section of many grocery stores. You can also rice your own cauliflower, using a box grater or food processor. Top these delicious burgers with cheese, avocado, or lettuce and tomato for a delightful treat.

baked falafel with ginger taziki recipe to help with nauseta, taste changes and constipition, or adding calories to your diet

Baked Falafel with Ginger Tzatziki Recipe

Falafel is a fun and healthy dish, full of nutrition and flavor. This version is baked instead of fried, so it is lower in fat and easier to tolerate for those with digestive issues. The tzatziki dip has a light ginger and lemon flavor, both of which can be helpful for nausea. If you are looking for a heartier meal, place falafel on a pita or naan bread and top with tzatziki, hummus, and fresh vegetables.

Muffin

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Cinnamon Apples

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Muffins

Healthy Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Perfect for a light breakfast or mid-morning snack, these muffins are a healthy way to start the day. The apples and oats provide soluble fiber, which can help with diarrhea relief. The pure maple syrup gives them an enjoyable hint of natural sweetness. Don’t have apples on hand? Switch them out with some fresh peaches or berries for an enjoyable summer treat.