Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial, especially for cancer patients. Cancer treatment often brings unwelcome side effects such as weight loss, fatigue, or nausea. A healthy diet is an essential part of self-care while undergoing cancer treatment. Getting enough nutrients can give you more energy, improve your mood, and help you recover more quickly after treatments. This article explores a variety of delicious, healthy recipes created with cancer prevention in mind, suitable for both new cooks and experienced chefs. These recipes, aligned with the AICR (American Institute for Cancer Research) Recommendations for Cancer Prevention and the New American Plate Model, are perfect as part of a well-balanced diet and are tailored for cancer patients.
The Importance of Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients
Undergoing cancer treatment can be incredibly challenging, often leading to side effects that impact appetite and overall well-being. Weight loss, fatigue, and nausea are common issues that can be mitigated through a carefully planned diet. A healthy diet provides essential nutrients, boosts energy levels, improves mood, and aids in faster recovery after treatments.
Understanding the New American Plate Model
The New American Plate is AICR’s plate visual to help lower your risk for cancer and other chronic diseases and manage your weight. The focus of the New American Plate is that 2/3 (or more) of your plate includes vegetables, fruits whole grains or beans and 1/3 (or less) of your plate comes from animal protein. This model emphasizes filling the plate with 2/3 or more of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or beans, and limiting animal protein to 1/3 or less. This approach ensures a balanced intake of essential nutrients while minimizing the consumption of foods that may increase cancer risk.
Cancer Fighting Foods
There is no one food that can protect you from cancer by itself. However, research has shown that certain food types contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that, when eaten together, can help to prevent cancer. Eating and drinking a wide variety of these cancer fighting foods can lower your risk of developing many cancers.
A variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses possess these anti-cancer effects and have been included in our recipes to help you to lower your risk for many cancers.
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Easy and Healthy Appetizer Recipes
If you’re making a meal with multiple courses, or you simply fancy trying something special, appetizers are a great addition to your dinner. We’ve got a selection of easy to make appetizers recipes, all containing healthy ingredients linked to cancer prevention, such as leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. Appetizers can be a delightful addition to any meal, especially when they are easy to make and packed with cancer-fighting ingredients. Leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits are excellent choices for creating appetizers that are both nutritious and delicious.
Healthy Entrée Recipes
At every dinner party the entrée is the main event. So you want to make sure you deliver a great dining experience. Using one of AICR’s entrée recipes will ensure your guests will be talking about their dining experience for days to come. Entrées are the highlight of any dinner, and incorporating AICR’s recipes ensures a memorable and healthy dining experience. These recipes are designed to provide comfort and nutrition, supporting cancer prevention and survival.
Healthy Drinks Recipes
Whether you want something comforting or cooling, we’ve got a variety of healthy drinks recipes suitable for every occasion. Each of our recipes contains cancer fighting foods and is specifically crafted to support cancer prevention and survival. Healthy drinks are essential for maintaining hydration and providing additional nutrients. Whether you prefer something comforting or cooling, there are numerous recipes that incorporate cancer-fighting foods to support prevention and survival.
Vegetarian Recipes
Eating healthy vegetarian recipes is a great way to reduce your intake of foods that are best to avoid such as red meat or processed meat. Try our vibrant veggie recipes for a nutrient rich, delicious meal. Vegetarian recipes offer a fantastic way to reduce the intake of red and processed meats, which are best avoided. These vibrant veggie recipes are not only nutrient-rich but also provide a delicious and satisfying meal.
Personalized Nutrition and Support
Because our dietitians work exclusively with people who have cancer, we have the deep knowledge and specialized expertise to offer personalized nutritional advice. We are familiar with the side effects of specific cancer medications and how they impact appetite, eating and nutrition. Through customized nutritional consultations, we offer practical tips and solutions tailored to your symptoms, dietary restrictions, preferences and medical history. A healthy diet, especially one that centers around plant-based options, may also reduce the risk of cancer returning after treatment.
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Additional Resources
Our registered dietitians have created several recipes that are nutritious and delicious. The oncology nutrition team at Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive, customized, and scientifically-supported nutrition care for patients with a cancer diagnosis. There is no cost to borrow these cookbooks from the Stanford Medicine Health Library. Some are available electronically.
- The American Cancer Society New Healthy Eating Cookbook by Jeanne Besser, (2016).
- What to Eat During Cancer Treatment: More than 130 recipes to help you cope by Jeanne Besser and Barbara Grant, (2019).
- Cancer Diet for the Newly Diagnosed: an integrative guide and cookbook for treatment and recovery.
- SpiceRack: A Spicy Action Plan with Recipes for Every Day by Rachel Beller MD, RDN, (2023).
Nutrition Services at Stanford Health Care
Nutrition services for patients with cancer provides personalized nutrition care exclusively for patients established with a Stanford Medicine Cancer Center provider. Registered dietitians are available to see patients with a nutrition referral Monday-Friday, virtually through telehealth and in-person at the following Stanford Health Care locations: Palo Alto, South Bay, Emeryville and Redwood City. Call us at 1-650-498-6000 to refer a new patient for a nutrition consultation. Questions about your appointment or need to make a change?
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