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Welcome to the Recipe Finder!
This collection of recipes is designed to help you eat well throughout your cancer treatment and recovery—even on days when you feel too tired or are challenged by side effects.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to eating during cancer treatment and recovery. For that reason, you’ll find a wide variety of recipes that meet a broad range of tastes and health considerations. Whether you’re looking for a freezer-friendly soup or a high-protein smoothie, we’ve got you covered.
HOW TO USE THE RECIPE FINDER
There are two ways to start finding delicious recipes that meet your needs:
1. Browse the recipe collections on the Recipe Finder home page. From Quick Meals to Stomach Soothers, these thoughtfully curated collections are filled with fresh ideas.
2. Search by keyword (e.g., chicken). Once you’ve done a keyword search, you can refine your results by clicking on the filters at the top of your search results. Try filtering by Cooking Method if you’re looking for some no-cook options, or by Dietary Concerns if you need a protein or fiber boost. Under Dietary Concerns you’ll also be able to filter for recipes that are appropriate for side effects you may be experiencing, like sore mouth and throat or diarrhea.
HELPFUL HINTS
Breakfast, Anytime!
Many people find that their appetite is best in the morning, so consider breakfast an opportunity to get those nutrients your body needs, at a time when you’re most able and ready to enjoy them.
Substantial Snacks
There may be days when the idea of a “regular-size” meal (let alone three of them!) might be too much. During those times, reach for a little bit of something nourishing every few hours. This will help you get the calories, protein and other nutrients you need without making you feel uncomfortably full or overwhelming your system. Bonus: Many of these snacks are easy to take on the go, making them great choices for bringing with you on treatment days.
Super Smoothies
If all you’re up for is something easy and soothing to swallow, try a smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to pack in fiber, nutrients and hearty proteins—and they allow for endless creativity.
Savory Soups
If you don’t have much of an appetite, soup can deliver a lot of nutrition in a few delicious spoonfuls. If you’re having trouble swallowing, you may want to puree the soup to a texture that appeals to you. Note: There’s no need to serve soups piping hot, which can irritate a sore throat. Let them cool to room temperature if needed. They’ll still be delicious.
Desserts
Sweets are a great way to add calories, particularly if maintaining your weight is a challenge. The desserts featured here aren’t just empty calories; many are made with calcium-rich milk and yogurt, while others feature colorful, vitamin-packed berries.
TIPS FOR MANAGING SIDE EFFECTS
Soothe a sore mouth with these tips:
- Add avocado: The silky superfruit boasts healthy fats plus luscious creaminess to coat a sore mouth.
- Sip carefully: Stick a straw in your drink to help avoid sensitive areas in your mouth.
- Overcook ‘em: Softer, past-al-dente noodles are just right for a dry or tender mouth.
- Watch out for scratchy food: Omit crunchy, dry toppings, such as breadcrumbs or croutons.
- Skip spicy & acidic: Pamper a sensitive mouth by avoiding common irritants like vinegar, tomatoes, citrus and chile peppers.
If you have diarrhea, know what ingredients help and hurt:
- Probiotic foods can be beneficial to help repopulate gut bacteria.
- Omit peas and corn from recipes, as these can be harder to digest.
Help ease nausea and vomiting with these strategies:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals of foods that are easy on the stomach, like saltines, pretzels, rice or potatoes.
- Try foods warm or cool, versus hot or cold.
