Who doesn’t like a smoothie? They are convenient and delicious. But for someone undergoing treatment for cancer, a smoothie is an especially great choice. When you’re not feeling at your best and your appetite may be waning, a smoothie is a great way to take in some vital nutrients and stay hydrated – super important for maintaining your strength and feeling as well as possible while focusing on your treatment.
Why smoothies are good while undergoing cancer treatment
Loss of appetite is extremely common among those fighting cancer. Not only do some types of cancer cause appetite loss themselves, but common treatments also reduce appetite as part of their side effects.
Furthermore, some people may complain of sensitivity to certain smells or textures that turn them off of food. Smoothies can be a good way to partially overcome that challenge and still ensure proper nutrition.
That being said, it can be easy to get into a smoothie rut. We’ve scoured the internet to bring you a list of five smoothies to add to your rotation. B
Be sure to talk to your medical team about whether or not fresh fruits and veggies are a good option for you if you happen to have a low white blood cell count!
Banana Almond Butter Smoothie
This smoothie recipe from Real Simple Good combines four simple ingredients to create a delicious smoothie that is great as-is or that can easily
be combined with your other favorite ingredients for a custom smoothie masterpiece. This recipe calls for bananas, which are a great source of fiber and potassium, as well as almond butter – a great source of protein and fat when you aren’t feeling up to a steak dinner.
Rounded out with coconut milk (another good source of fat) and cinnamon, we’d be surprised if this smoothie doesn’t quickly become one of your favorites.
Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric combined with carotenoid-rich carrots make Minimalist Baker’s smoothie recipea slam dunk, particularly if you’ve been dealing with nausea. Most of the ingredients in this smoothie are also great for fortifying your immune system … And it looks so pretty!
High-Fiber Broccoli Smoothie for Kids
Okay, this smoothie proclaims to be specifically for kids. But don’t rule it out if you happen to be an adult. If there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s that recipes targeted for kids typically taste 300% better than the stuff they try to get us adults to drink.
Loaded with broccoli, avocado and flax meal, this smoothie gets its delicious flavor and pretty color from cherries, banana and pomegranate juice.
Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie
This smoothie recipe from Live Eat Learn combines the hydrating qualities of watermelon and cucumber with fresh mint to create a delicious 
summertime smoothie. And given the hot weather in Phoenix, this may end up being one of your favorites to whip up year round. Furthermore, since mint is known to help settling stomachs and with other digestive issues, it may be a great option for cancer patients having issues with nausea or indigestion. But be aware, this smoothie is definitely light in the calories department.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
This smoothie recipe from A Mind Full Mom’s blog was inspired by the author’s impressive calorie requirements as a result of her cystic fibrosis. However, many cancer patients also struggle to meet their daily calorie quota. This recipe is a delicious, simple way to make headway while ensuring vital nutrients are making up caloric intake.
Furthermore, this recipe offers the flexibility of using whole cow’s milk or substituting for coconut milk or a favorite nut milk for those with lactose sensitivities. Calling for chia seeds or flax seeds for added fiber, this recipe checks off a lot of boxes on many cancer patients’ lists!
Need some specific questions about your diet (or another aspect of your treatment)? Feel free to drop a line to one of our physicians or other health care experts to find out if they are able to give you personalized advice. We’re here to help!
