It’s important to make healthy eating a priority during your cancer treatment and recovery. When your body gets the nutrients it needs, it can focus on healing, building strength, and boosting your overall well-being.
If it’s hard for you to access healthy food and maintain a balanced diet, these tips, you can overcome these challenges. And you can make positive, healthful choices now and in the future.
Understanding SDOH and nutrition
Your health is shaped every day by nonmedical factors. These include things like where you live, work, go to school, and your access to transportation, healthcare, and food. These factors are known as social determinants of health (SDOH).
Your income, education, and access to healthy products can play a role in your ability to get nutritious food.
Some common SDOH that may affect what you eat include:
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Not enough fresh, healthy food options near you
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The cost of food
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Lack of nutrition education
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Limited access to transportation for grocery shopping
Tips for eating healthy during cancer recovery
There are many different ways to eat healthy. It can be hard to know where to begin. As you start your recovery, consider these ideas:
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Check out local resources. Reach out to food banks, community gardens, or farmers' markets in your area. They can help connect you with affordable and nutritious food options. Many communities offer programs that provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables at a lower cost.
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Work with a dietitian. Learn about the nutrients you need for your recovery and how to include them in your diet. A registered dietitian or healthcare provider can give advice for your specific needs. Ask your provider for a referral if needed.
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Start meal prepping. Planning your meals in advance can help you make healthier food choices. Prepare meals and freeze them for later. Use them when you have less energy or time to cook.
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Connect with support groups. Join in-person groups or online communities for cancer patients and survivors. Talking through your experience with others can help you find new resources and information.
Honoring your culture in your diet
Cancer recovery is a very personal journey. Following your cultural traditions can be important for your emotional well-being. Embrace your cultural background by adding familiar and comforting foods into your diet.
Use the following tips to get started:
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Research traditional foods. Consider foods from your cultural background that are rich in nutrients. Ask your family members or look online or in cookbooks for ideas. Include these foods in your meals when you can. Many diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that can support your recovery.
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Adjust recipes. Adapt your favorite cultural recipes to make them healthier without losing flavor. You can replace ingredients and cut down on added sugars. Or try other cooking methods like baking, steaming, or grilling.
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Talk about your journey. Speak with others from your background who are going through similar experiences. Share recipes, tips, and stories to inspire and support each other.
Help for overcoming food insecurity
Healthy food can be costly. Sometimes you might have trouble finding healthy foods you can afford. But help is available with these resources.
First, talk to your healthcare team. Ask if there’s a care manager, social worker, or navigator on staff who can help you. They are often the best person to tell you about local resources:
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Feeding America. This nationwide network can help you find food banks and pantries near you. Visit www.feedingamerica.org.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This federal program provides benefits to help pay for food. Visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap.
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Meals on Wheels. This program delivers meals to older adults and others who can’t cook for themselves. Visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
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American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS lists organizations that offer financial help for cancer patients, including help to pay for food. Visit www.cancer.org/treatment/finding-and-paying-for-treatment/managing-costs/programs-and-resources-to-help-with-cancer-related-expenses.html.
Embracing nutrition during cancer treatment and recovery is key for healing. When you understand how SDOH affects what you eat, you can take steps to overcome these challenges. Reach out to support networks and resources to help you continue your recovery with confidence.
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