It is no secret that diet and nutrition play a vital role in cancer prevention and treatment. Eating healthy food helps boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight off infection. Many times during cancer treatment, patients lose their appetite and energy, putting them at risk of malnutrition. Wondering what foods to eat for breast cancer patients? First and foremost, it’s important to try and maintain weight, regain energy, and heal.

There are many different dietary approaches that breast cancer patients can take to help improve their health. Some choose to follow a plant-based diet, while others opt for a high-calorie, high-protein diet to gain strength or gain weight.

Whatever approach you choose, it is important to include plenty of healthy and nutritious foods in your diet. We also recommend seeking guidance from a nutritionist for recommendations based on your specific case and cancer treatment. Here are 8 healthy recipes that are both nutritious and delicious and can help with a well-balanced diet:

1. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This colorful salad is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Quinoa is a good source of protein and fiber, while roasted vegetables provide a host of vitamins and minerals, making this dish a good recipe for cancer patients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 roasted red pepper
  • 1 roasted yellow pepper
  • 1/2 roasted eggplant
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, roasted peppers, eggplant, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.

2. Lentil and Quinoa Stew

This hearty stew is perfect for cold days or if you’re in need of some comfort food. Lentils are a good source of protein and fiber, while quinoa is a complete protein source containing all nine essential amino acids.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup green lentils
  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine lentils, quinoa, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and vegetable broth.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils and quinoa are cooked through.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes and cilantro and serve warm.

3. Black Bean Burrito Bowls

If you’re looking to add a little variety to your healthy diet, this meal is for you. This vegan dish is packed with fiber and protein. Black beans are an excellent source of both, while brown rice provides complex carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice, black beans, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Serve in individual bowls and enjoy!

4. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy soup is packed with vitamins and minerals that are just what your body needs. Butternut squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene, while carrots and sweet potatoes provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a large roasting pan, combine butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato, onion, and garlic.
  3. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  4. In a blender, puree roasted vegetables with vegetable broth, milk and salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!

5. Curried Chickpea Stew

A twist on a classic stew, this one adds a little extra flavor while also providing the nutrition you need. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, while veggies provide a host of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper and stir well.
  2. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until spices are fragrant.
  3. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until chickpeas are cooked through.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

6. Quinoa Veggie Bowls

These hearty bowls are perfect for a quick and easy meal. Quinoa is a complete protein source, while veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
  • 1/2 cup chopped cauliflower
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, parsley, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Serve in individual bowls and enjoy!

7. Lentil Quinoa Salad

This hearty salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Lentils are a good source of protein and fiber, while quinoa provides essential vitamins and minerals. The veggies add a host of antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cooked lentils, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Serve in individual bowls or on a bed of greens. Enjoy!

8. Kale and White Bean Soup

This nutrient-rich soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, while white beans provide protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper and stir well.
  2. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until spices are fragrant.
  3. Add vegetable broth and white beans. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Add kale and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

9. Extra Recipe: Black Bean Brownies

Brownies don’t always have to be just full of sugar! One of our favorite healthy recipes is for these fudgy brownies; it’s a delicious way to get your protein and fiber. Black beans provide essential nutrients, while chocolate adds antioxidants.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a food processor, combine black beans, cocoa powder, sugar, honey, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until brownies are set. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Talk to your nutritionist or doctor to see how these healthy recipes can benefit you. Regardless of if you’re undergoing treatment for breast cancer or in recovery, a healthy diet is essential for good health. Hopefully, meal planning became easier after seeing these delicious and healthy meals. Quinoa is a complete protein source, while veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals. Lentils and beans are good sources of protein and fiber, and quinoa and kale provide essential vitamins and minerals. For more good recipes for cancer patients check out this page where you can filter through more healthy recipes by diet type and symptom. Try them and enjoy!

You'll Also Love...