Meal plan grocery list
Oatmeal
Strawberries
Honey
Chicken breast
Quinoa
Broccoli
Salmon
Sweet potato
Asparagus
Greek yogurt
Nuts
Whole grain bread
Avocado
Eggs
Lentil soup
Mixed greens
Tofu
Brown rice
Vegetables for stir-fry
Fresh fruit for salad
Kale
Banana
Berries
Protein powder
Chickpeas
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Shrimp
Whole wheat pasta
Tomato sauce
Cottage cheese
Pineapple chunks
Brown rice for porridge
Almond milk
Peaches
Green beans
Vegetable curry
Basmati rice
Carrot sticks
Cucumber sticks
Hummus
Whole grain cereal
Low-fat milk
Spinach
Feta cheese
Turkey burger
Brussels sprouts
Almond butter
Rice cakes
Yogurt for parfait
Granola
Black beans
Corn
Salsa
White fish
Couscous
Apples
Peanut butter
Chia seeds
Mango
Kiwi
Bell peppers
Beef for stir-fry
Trail mix
Dried fruits
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
- Fatty Fish: Incorporate omega-3 rich fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which can support brain health and reduce anxiety.
- Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats for sustained energy and to regulate mood.
- Leafy Greens: Include spinach, kale, and other leafy greens rich in magnesium, a mineral linked to anxiety reduction.
- Probiotic-Rich Foods: Consume yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other probiotic-rich foods to support gut health, linked to mental well-being.
- Lean Proteins: Opt for lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, tofu, and beans to provide amino acids important for neurotransmitter function.
- Colorful Vegetables: Eat a variety of colorful vegetables for a range of antioxidants and nutrients that support overall health.
- Nuts and Seeds: Snack on almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for healthy fats and essential nutrients.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Choose complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and whole grains to regulate blood sugar levels and stabilize mood.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Caffeine: Limit the intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks, as excessive caffeine can exacerbate anxiety.
- Processed Foods: Avoid highly processed and sugary foods, as they can contribute to mood swings and inflammation.
- Alcohol: Consume alcohol in moderation, as excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact mental health.
- High Sugar Snacks: Minimize consumption of high-sugar snacks and desserts, as they can lead to energy crashes and mood fluctuations.
- Trans Fats: Steer clear of foods high in trans fats, such as fried and processed snacks, as they may contribute to inflammation.
- Artificial Additives: Avoid foods with artificial additives and preservatives, as they may impact mood in sensitive individuals.
- Excessive Salt: Reduce intake of high-sodium foods, as they can affect blood pressure and potentially influence anxiety levels.
- Gluten (if sensitive): Some individuals with gluten sensitivity may find relief from anxiety by reducing or eliminating gluten-containing foods.
Main benefits
The Meal Plan For Anxiety focuses on nutrient-rich foods that support mental well-being. This plan includes omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals that may help alleviate anxiety symptoms. By emphasizing a balanced and varied diet, the plan contributes to overall emotional and mental health, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
For cancer patients, incorporating nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest foods is important to support overall health and treatment recovery.
- Replace oatmeal with millet porridge for a high-protein, easily digestible grain.
- For a vitamin boost, try mango instead of peaches. It’s rich in vitamins A and C.
- If you're looking for a protein source, lentil stew can replace chicken breast. It's high in fiber and protein.
- For a dairy-free option, consider almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. It’s rich in probiotics and easy to digest.
- Instead of quinoa, try amaranth. It’s a nutrient-dense grain that's high in protein and fiber.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Nourishing snacks for cancer patients to support energy and nutrition:
- Smoothies with fruits, yogurt, and protein powder
- Whole grain toast with avocado
- Cottage cheese with soft fruits like bananas or peaches
- Oatmeal with almond butter
- Baked sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil
- Steamed vegetables with hummus
- Rice cakes with peanut butter and banana
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For Cancer Patients, hydration and nutrient intake are crucial. Options like ginger tea can help with nausea, while green tea offers antioxidants. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices provide vitamins and minerals, smoothies are great for extra calories and nutrients, and water is essential for hydration.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Cancer Patients
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: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 180g Protein: 100g
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: 1900 Fat: 60g Carbs: 210g Protein: 80g
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: 1850 Fat: 55g Carbs: 200g Protein: 95g
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: 1750 Fat: 60g Carbs: 190g Protein: 75g
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: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 180g Protein: 85g
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: 1850 Fat: 55g Carbs: 210g Protein: 80g
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: 1800 Fat: 60g Carbs: 195g Protein: 75g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024