7-day Meal Plan For Cancer Patients
Listonic team
Updated on Nov 22, 2024
Caring for cancer patients and need a suitable diet? Our 7-day meal plan for cancer patients is designed to support their nutritional needs. Discover how to create nourishing meals and compile them into a caring shopping list. Let's nourish with compassion and care!
Meal plan grocery list
Dry goods
Snacks & sweets
Meats
Fish & seafood
Dairy & eggs
Beverages
Spices & sauces
Fresh grocery
Plant based
Meal plan overview
Caring for cancer patients? Our 7-day meal plan for cancer patients is designed to support their nutritional needs. It includes easy-to-digest, nutrient-rich foods that help in managing the side effects of treatment.
This plan is about providing nourishment and comfort through food during a challenging time.
Foods to eat
Lean Proteins: Choose lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and tofu to support muscle maintenance and repair.
Colorful Vegetables: Include a variety of colorful vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, and bell peppers for antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Fruits: Opt for fresh fruits like berries, apples, and oranges for vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.
Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats for fiber, energy, and essential nutrients.
Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds to support overall health.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Consume yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods to support gut health, which plays a role in overall immunity.
Herbs and Spices: Use herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water, herbal teas, and broths to support overall health and manage side effects of treatments.
✅Tip
Foods not to eat
Processed Meats: Limit processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meats, as they may contain additives that could be harmful.
High-Sugar Foods: Minimize consumption of sugary snacks, desserts, and sweetened beverages, as excessive sugar intake may negatively impact health.
Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol, as it can interact with medications and may have negative effects on the immune system.
High-Fat Dairy: Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy options to manage calorie and saturated fat intake.
Spicy Foods: Be cautious with spicy foods, especially if experiencing digestive issues or mouth sores as a result of treatments.
High-Sodium Foods: Limit sodium intake to manage fluid retention and blood pressure, especially if dealing with side effects like edema.
Raw or Undercooked Foods: Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially if the immune system is compromised, to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Caffeine (if sensitive): Some individuals may need to limit or avoid caffeine, especially if it interferes with sleep or causes digestive discomfort.
Main benefits
The given meal plan, 7-Day Meal Plan For Cancer Patients, is designed to give nutrient-dense foods that help in the overall management of health during this course of treatment. The focus has been on quick, light meals rich in energy resources like proteins, healthy fats, and several fruits and vegetables. Accommodating foods that address specific nutritional needs during cancer therapy helps patients maintain strength while managing the side effects.
Recommended nutrient breakdown
Protein: 20%
Fat: 22%
Carbs: 49%
Fiber: 7%
Other: 2%
How to budget on this meal plan
This cancer patient meal plan should be budgeted by first considering more affordable, nutrient-rich foods. Buy oats, brown rice, and whole grain bread in bulk. Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season, such as apples and spinach, which are cheaper. If berries and other vegetables are out of season and just too expensive, use frozen versions. For added protein, choose plant-based sources like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, rather than more expensive meats like salmon and shrimp.
Buy chicken breast and beef in larger cuts and portion out for several meals. Store brands for many of the items, such as almond milk, yogurt, and granola, will lower the price without reducing the nutritional value as much.
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Extra tips
Nutrient-rich snacks can be beneficial for cancer patients:
- Smoothies with yogurt and fruits
- Nut butter on whole grain toast
- Cottage cheese with fruit
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Oatmeal with banana and cinnamon
- Avocado toast
- Homemade granola bars
Cancer patients are advised to take sufficient fluid and maintain nutrient intake. Water is an excellent drink to hydrate the body. Nutritious smoothies, containing fruits and vegetables, may supply your body with much-needed vitamins and minerals. Ginger tea might be very helpful in the case of nausea. Green tea supplies antioxidants; the amount of consumption should be discussed with a doctor. Bone broth might be nutritious and hydrating.
Meal plan suggestion
Day 1
- Breakfast:Oatmeal with sliced strawberries and a teaspoon of honey
- Lunch:Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli
- Dinner:Baked salmon with sweet potato and asparagus
- Snack:Greek yogurt with a handful of nuts
- Calories🔥: 2000Fat💧: 80gCarbs🌾: 200gProtein🥩: 150g
Day 2
- Breakfast:Whole grain toast with avocado and poached eggs
- Lunch:Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens
- Dinner:Stir-fried tofu with brown rice and vegetables
- Snack:Fresh fruit salad
- Calories🔥: 1950Fat💧: 75gCarbs🌾: 210gProtein🥩: 130g
Day 3
- Breakfast:Smoothie with kale, banana, berries, and protein powder
- Lunch:Quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes
- Dinner:Grilled shrimp with whole wheat pasta and tomato sauce
- Snack:Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks
- Calories🔥: 2050Fat💧: 70gCarbs🌾: 220gProtein🥩: 140g
Day 4
- Breakfast:Brown rice porridge with almond milk and diced peaches
- Lunch:Baked chicken with sweet potato wedges and green beans
- Dinner:Vegetable curry with basmati rice
- Snack:Hummus with carrot and cucumber sticks
- Calories🔥: 1900Fat💧: 65gCarbs🌾: 210gProtein🥩: 120g
Day 5
- Breakfast:Whole grain cereal with low-fat milk and sliced banana
- Lunch:Spinach and feta omelette with whole grain toast
- Dinner:Grilled turkey burger with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts
- Snack:Almond butter on rice cakes
- Calories🔥: 2100Fat💧: 85gCarbs🌾: 200gProtein🥩: 145g
Day 6
- Breakfast:Yogurt parfait with granola and mixed berries
- Lunch:Brown rice bowl with black beans, corn, and salsa
- Dinner:Poached white fish with couscous and steamed asparagus
- Snack:Apple slices with peanut butter
- Calories🔥: 2000Fat💧: 75gCarbs🌾: 210gProtein🥩: 135g
Day 7
- Breakfast:Chia seed pudding with mango and kiwi
- Lunch:Grilled vegetable and quinoa-stuffed bell peppers
- Dinner:Beef and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
- Snack:Trail mix with a variety of nuts and dried fruits
- Calories🔥: 1950Fat💧: 80gCarbs🌾: 200gProtein🥩: 130g
Want to learn more?
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