Healthy Smoothies for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
“Smoothies are a delicious way to build key nutrients into your diet,”
– Dietitian Mia DiGeronimo, RD, LD
Modify your smoothie to fit your needs and restrictions. These can be based on your preferences, what you can tolerate, and cater to different side effects you’re experiencing from chemotherapy or radiation.
Mix & Match. Build your smoothie using simple, healthy ingredients:
Liquid
Choose 2 cups of your preferred liquid:
- Filtered water
- Coconut water
- Almond milk
- Low-fat milk
- Fruit juice (sugar free)
Fiber-rich fruit
Select 1 cup of slightly sweet, fiber-rich fruit to promote digestive health:
- Banana (not too ripe)
- Ripe pear
- Mango
Heart healthy-fruit
Select 1 cup of fruit with heart-healthy antioxidant plant compounds
- Berries or cherries
- Watermelon
- Red or purple grapes
Leafy Greens
Add 1 cup of leafy greens to provide your body with B vitamins and iron
- Spinach
- Kale
- Romaine lettuce
Protein
Add A Protein To Help Stabilize Your Blood Sugar
- 1 tablespoon of almonds, walnuts or natural peanut butter
- 4 ounces of unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup low-sugar protein powder
Healthy Fat
Add a healthy fat to feel fuller longer and help absorb nutrients:
- 1 tablespoon of Chia or flax seeds
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Calorie Boosters
Add one of these if you want a calorie booster
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Coconut cream
- Powdered milk
Upset stomach?
Add one of these if you have an upset stomach
- Plain yogurt
- 4-6 leaves of fresh mint
- 2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Nutritional needs are very individualized, especially for those with cancer. Your smoothie recipes should be modified based on your preferences, what you can tolerate, and cater to different side effects you’re experiencing from chemotherapy or radiation.
Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-tips-for-smoothies-when-you-have-cancer
