By Dr. Alex Armitage, DNP, CNL, APRN, FNP-BC Specialist in Supportive Palliative Care, and passionate advocate for holistic well-being.
Eat real, nutrient dense food, and eat often.
When you're not feeling your best—especially during cancer treatment—the idea of sitting down to large meals can be overwhelming. That's why focusing on multiple small, nutrient-dense snacks throughout the day can make a big difference. These mini-meals can help maintain your energy levels, provide essential nutrients, and make eating more manageable.
Why Snacking Makes Sense
Cancer treatments can affect your appetite, taste buds, and even your ability to digest certain foods. Nausea, fatigue, or a lack of appetite might make it challenging to consume the calories and nutrients your body needs. Snacking on nutrient-dense foods is a practical way to keep up your strength and combat unintended weight loss during your cancer journey.
Key Points to Remember:
Multiple Small Meals: Eating smaller portions more frequently can be easier on the stomach and less daunting than large meals.
Nutrient Density: Choose snacks that pack a lot of nutrition into a small volume.
Whole Foods: Opt for unprocessed or minimally processed foods to maximize nutritional benefits.
8 Tips for Successful Snacking for Cancer
Keep It Handy: If you have good food in the house, you will eat good food!
Small Portions: Serve snacks in small bowls or containers to make them less intimidating.
Focus on Preferences: Eat foods you enjoy; this makes it more likely you'll eat enough.
Temperature Matters: Some people prefer cold foods if they have mouth soreness; others might prefer warm options.
Texture Can be tricky: If crunchy textures are difficult, opt for softer versions—soaking granola, blending trail mix into a paste, or choosing smooth nut butters over whole nuts.
Hydration and Swallowing: For those with difficulty swallowing, smoothies, puddings, and creamy soups can be easier to tolerate.
Energy Balance: Pairing protein with healthy fats (like nut butter with fruit, or yogurt with granola) helps keep energy levels steady.
Meal Prepping: Batch-preparing snacks like overnight oats, smoothie packs, or egg salad ahead of time can make eating easier on low-energy days.
Conclusion: Nourish Your Body, One Bite at a Time
Eating well during cancer treatment isn’t about forcing large meals—it’s about finding small, satisfying ways to nourish your body and keep your energy up.
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. ~Maya Angelou
The more you learn about what works for you, the easier it becomes to make choices that support your health and well-being.
Every bite counts. Whether it's a smoothie, a handful of nuts, or a comforting bowl of soup, you're fueling your body with the care it deserves. 💛
Click the expandable list below for 15 great snacking for cancer ideas
Nutrient-Dense Snack Ideas (Click to expand)
Here are some wholesome snack ideas that are both easy to prepare and rich in nutrients and calories:
Cheese and Apple Slices
Why It's Good: Cheese adds calories and calcium, while apples provide fiber and vitamins.
Tip: Choose full-fat cheeses like cheddar or gouda for extra calories.
Trail Mix with a Twist
Why It's Good: Combine nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and coconut flakes for a high-energy snack.
Tip: Make your own mix to include your favorite ingredients and avoid added sugars.
Yogurt Parfait
Why It's Good: Full-fat Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calories. Layer with granola and fresh or frozen berries.
Tip: Drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
Hummus with Pita and Veggies
Why It's Good: Hummus provides protein and healthy fats. Pair with soft pita bread and cucumber slices.
Tip: Try different hummus flavors like roasted garlic or sun-dried tomato to keep things interesting.
Egg Salad on Crackers
Why It's Good: Eggs are a great protein source. Mix chopped hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise or mashed avocado.
Tip: Serve on whole-grain crackers or soft bread.
Smooth Nut Butter Cups
Why It's Good: Fill small cups with almond or peanut butter topped with a layer of melted dark chocolate.
Tip: Refrigerate until firm for a satisfying treat that's easy to eat.
Mashed Avocado with Boiled Eggs
Why It's Good: Combines healthy fats from avocado with protein from eggs.
Tip: Mash together for a spreadable snack on toast or crackers.
Creamy Soups
Why It's Good: Blended soups like butternut squash or potato leek are easy to consume and can be high in calories.
Tip: Add a swirl of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Overnight Oats
Why It's Good: Oats provide sustained energy. Mix with whole milk or yogurt, chia seeds, and top with dried fruits.
Tip: Prepare in small jars for convenient portions.
Pudding Made with Milk
Why It's Good: Homemade pudding using whole milk offers calories and can be soothing.
Tip: Experiment with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch.
Guacamole with Soft Tortilla Pieces
Why It's Good: Avocados and olive oil provide healthy fats.
Tip: Warm the tortillas to make them softer and easier to eat.
Salmon Salad
Why It's Good: Canned salmon mixed with mayonnaise or avocado offers protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Tip: Spread on soft bread or enjoy with a spoon.
Fruit Smoothies with Protein Powder
Why It's Good: Blending fruits with protein powder boosts calorie and nutrient intake.
Tip: Use fruits like mango or peaches for a sweeter taste.
Creamy Avocado Smoothie
Why It's Good: Avocados provide healthy fats and calories. When blended with banana and a splash of whole milk or almond milk, it becomes a delicious, easy-to-drink snack.
Tip: Add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups
Why It's Good: Whole-grain tortillas spread with peanut butter and wrapped around a banana offer protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
Tip: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.