Fuel Your Body: Nutrition Tips for Better Health

Feb. 26, 2026

It’s true, eating well during cancer treatment can really affect how you feel each day. Nutritious foods help your body heal, keep up your strength, and even manage side effects. If treatment changes your appetite or how things taste, choosing the right foods can help you feel better overall.

At The Brooklyn Cancer Center, our team can help patients create eating plans that fit their needs. If you have nausea, fatigue, or changes in taste, know that we are here to help you find the right foods to help you feel better.

Your body needs more nutrients to heal and stay strong during cancer treatment. Nutrients like protein are especially important because it helps repair tissues and keep your muscles healthy. You can get protein from lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy. If big meals are hard to eat, try having smaller meals more often. This can help you get enough nutrition without feeling too full.

Staying hydrated is just as important during treatment. Water helps remove toxins, prevents dehydration, and can help with side effects like constipation. Try drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. If you don’t like plain water, herbal teas or broths are good options. 

Recipes Our Team Recommends:

Protein-Packed Smoothie Bowl

This smoothie bowl is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and it’s easy to digest. It’s a good choice for mornings when eating solid foods is hard or when you want a quick boost of nutrients.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt

  • 1 frozen banana

  • 1/2 cup of frozen berries

  • 1 tablespoon of almond butter

  • 1/4 cup milk of choice

  • Toppings like granola, sliced fruit, or chia seeds

Blend the yogurt, banana, berries, almond butter, and milk until smooth and creamy. Pour into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. The Greek yogurt provides protein to help maintain muscle mass, while the berries offer antioxidants that support your immune system. You can adjust the thickness by adding more or less milk, and feel free to swap ingredients based on what appeals to you that day.

Gentle Ginger Chicken Soup

This soothing soup combines protein with ginger’s natural anti-nausea properties, making it ideal for days when your stomach feels unsettled. The warm broth also helps with hydration, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins.

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast

  • 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger

  • 1 cup of diced carrots

  • 1 cup of cooked rice or noodles

  • 2 cups of baby spinach

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the broth until it simmers, then add the ginger and let it sit for a few minutes. Add the carrots and cook until they’re soft. Stir in the chicken, rice or noodles, and spinach. Add a little salt and pepper. Ginger can help with nausea, and chicken gives you lean protein. You can keep this soup in the fridge for a few days, so you’ll have a meal ready when you need it.

Every person’s nutritional needs during cancer treatment are unique. At The Brooklyn Cancer Center, our team is here to help you create a plan just for you, based on your treatment, side effects, and what you like to eat. You don't have to figure it out alone. Reach out today to our team and get the support you deserve.

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