7-Day Healthy Meal Plan for Cancer Patients (that you’ll actually want to eat).

We’re spaghetti and meat sauce, Italian subs, and chicken marsala kind of people.  Bread and pasta are almost always on the menu.  And we love food.  Especially good food.

So when my dad was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, trying to incorporate the kind of uber-healthy meal plan that’s normally suggested for cancer patients felt pretty much impossible for us.  

I mean seriously, who wants to eat brown rice and whole grain toast at every meal?  Ummmm… not us.  

Heads up: The Cancer Binder Pack will walk you through the quick and easy system we used to organize our medical information. Step-by-step instructions, printable forms, and monthly calendar pages so you can ALWAYS find what you need when you need it. 

And, the best part it’s 100% FREE when you sign up for our weekly emails which are packed full of quick tips and inspiration to help you keep going through this insanely stressful situation (from someone who is living it)…

You can get the Cancer Binder Pack here…

Eating is a hot topic in the world of cancer, but there are a few things to keep in mind…

• Everyone is different. (My dad lost over 60 lbs during his journey, so weight gain and high-calorie foods was a major part of our meal plan.  Your nutritional needs may be different).
• It doesn’t matter if the meal plan is perfectly balanced with good nutrition, if the person with cancer hates it and won’t eat it, that’s not going to help your situation at all. Make good choices and eventually better choices and keep some of your favorite meals in the mix.
• Eating can be a difficult thing during cancer.  Your appetite and taste changes and things you once loved (like spicy food) you may find you suddenly can’t stand.  And you may suddenly love bland foods. Even the smell of food can affect you differently.

Still a healthy diet has some massive benefits during cancer.  

• It can help you feel stronger and raise your energy levels
• It can sometimes help ease the treatment side effects
• It can help boost your immune system which helps fight the cancer

So what does healthy eating look like for someone fighting cancer?  

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center “The most important thing is to make sure you get the calories and protein you need to keep your body strong during your treatment.”

There is no specific diet for cancer. Dairy products, plant-based foods, fiber, raw vegetables, and fresh fruits are all included. But, do you know what the key components of staying strong during cancer are? Eating small meals throughout the day that are full of protein sources… lean proteins.

So the good news is, you can find serveral delicious options for healthy meals during cancer.

Meal Plan Ideas That Can Help You Stay Strong 

Day 1:

Breakfast: Start the day off with a bowl of oatmeal, add some brown sugar, nuts, and raisins. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and will help keep you feeling full until lunch.  The nuts will give you a protein start for your day.

Snack: Try an apple with peanut butter (or any nut butters), or a handful of almonds and cheese cubes for a mid-morning snack. Keep a collection of herbal teas on hand.

Lunch: A salad made with mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, and avocado is a perfect lunch option. Dress the salad with a homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.  Can’t stomach a salad?  Do the same thing on a sandwhich with a bit of fresh mozzarella. 

Snack: Try a smoothie made with berries, Greek yogurt, peanut butter and almond milk for a great afternoon snack.  Smoothies are a quick, easy, delicious way to add the nutrients you need. 

Dinner: Try a grilled salmon fillet, or london broil served with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or sweet potato. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa.

Day 2:

Breakfast: Whip up omelet.  If you’re up for it, add some veggies like tomatoes or spinach, and a bit of cheese. Serve with toast.

Snack: A small cup of Greek yogurt (or vanilla yogurt) topped with sliced strawberries (or other fruit) and granola is a great mid-morning snack.

Lunch: A turkey and avocado wrap made with tortillas is a delicious and healthy lunch Add some veggies such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for additional nutrients.

Snack: A small handful of grapes and almonds, or a Kind Bar make for a healthy afternoon snack.

Dinner: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soups made with carrots, celery, and onions, or tasty vegetable soups are great dinner option (they also soothe a sore throat). Serve with something like these baked quesadillas (which you can fill with chicken, cheese, veggies, black beans, etc.).

Day 3:

Breakfast: A smoothie made with banana, spinach, almond milk, and vanilla protein powder is a great way to start the day.

Snack: A bowl of mixed berries, veggie sticks, or hummus and crackers are all great mid-morning snack options.

Lunch: A turkey and swiss cheese, or ham and cheese. Add some veggies such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for added nutrients.  If you beed a change of pace, try a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Snack: A small handful of mixed nuts and dried fruit is a great afternoon snack. Add a glass of fruit juice.

Dinner: Try a chicken or beef stir-fry made with broccoli, carrots, peas and bell peppers. Serve with a side of rice.

Day 4:

Breakfast: Belvita Breakfast Biscuits.  (They’re formulated for sustainable energy and as a bonus they taste like cookies). 

Snack: Baby carrots, cucumbers, grapes, or melon.  Add some hummus, or yogurt to kick up the protein.

Lunch:  Crockpot chicken Pot Pie Stew, a grilled chicken salad made with mixed greens, apples, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and sliced almonds.  

Snack: Trail mix, pudding or, cottage cheese topped with sliced peaches are some great afternoon snack options.

Dinner: Pasta Night.  Ravioli, spaghetti, or lasagna.  Add ground turkey, or lean ground beef to the sauce of your choice. Add some zucchini, or squash, or make a quick bolognese.   (If you want a good jar red sauce that’s not expensive, try this one…)

Day 5:

Breakfast: A slice toast and poached, hardboiled, or scrambled eggs are a good morning option.

Snack: Apple, grapes, and string cheese make for a healthy mid-morning snack.

Lunch: Tuna, chicken or egg salad sandwich, wrap, or lettuce wrap. (Add lettuce and tomatoes).

Snack: Tortilla chips and fresh guacamole. 

Dinner: Grilled pork chop, shrimp, fish fillet or chicken breast served with roasted asparagus and rice is a perfect dinner option. Add a side of roasted sweet potato for added nutrients.

Day 6:

Breakfast: A bowl of Greek or vanilla yogurt topped with fruit or mixed berries and granola for a great breakfast option.

Snack: Try one of these balanced breaks…  Which has all the protein you need. 

Lunch: Burrito bowl with chicken, black beans, and leftover rice.  Add salsa, sour cream, or guacamole and veggies such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber for added nutrients.  Sprinkle grated cheese on top.

Snack: Trail mix and dried fruit is a great afternoon snack.

Dinner: A vegetarian chili made with black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes is a great dinner option. Serve with a side of whole-grain crackers.

Day 7:

Breakfast: A smoothie made with mixed berries, Greek yogurt, and almond milk is a great way to start the day.

Snack: Fruit and string cheese, fruit salad with added granola, or cottage cheese all make for a healthy mid-morning snack.

Lunch: A grilled chicken Caesar salad made with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, and homemade Caesar dressing is a delicious lunch option. 

Snack:Trail mix, crackers and hummus, or peanut butter apples.

Dinner: Grilled salmon, London Broil, or shrimp served with roasted brussels sprouts , spinach and zucchini.  Add egg noodles, rice or quinoa as a side dish. 

A healthy eating plan is crucial for anyone, but it is especially important for someone with a cancer diagnosis. A protein packed well-rounded meal plan can help provide the necessary nutrients to help your body heal, and give you the energy you need to fight the disease.

This 7-day healthy meal plan for someone with cancer provides a variety of nutrient-dense foods that are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. 

Rotate them into your current balanced diet or run this plan day to day as it’s written. Either way, with one trip to the grocery store, you can easily incorporate these meals into your daily routine and help support your body’s natural healing process.

P.S. Need more dinner ideas for busy cancer families? We have those here…

Heads up: The Cancer Binder Pack will walk you through the quick and easy system we used to organize our medical information. Step-by-step instructions, printable forms, and monthly calendar pages so you can ALWAYS find what you need when you need it. 

And, the best part is it’s 100% FREE when you sign up for our weekly emails which are packed full of quick tips and inspiration to help you keep going through this insanely stressful situation (from someone who is living it)…

You can get the Cancer Binder Pack here…

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