When you are first learning about the concepts of anti-cancer nutrition it can be a challenge to figure out how to shop and prepare meals for yourself. With two-thirds of cancer patients searching for nutrition advice online, where do they go to get evidence informed recommendations? You might think that the reputable academic cancer centers would be a good source of information…
A recent review of the websites of 21 prestigious academic cancer centers in the U.S. found that only four (19%) provided nutritional guidelines, and of those that did there was no consistency among their dietary guidelines.
The problem stems from the fact that there are no high quality studies that I can find that help guide our patients on what to eat before, during and after their cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Where Should We Direct Our Cancer Patients & Survivors To Get Good Nutrition Advice?
If you are new to IntegrativeOncology-Essentials (IOE) and you want to better understand anti-cancer nutrition (foods that help your body prevent and fight cancer), I highly recommend that you read our posts on:
- Anti-Cancer Nutrition 101: Seven Cancer-Fighting Diet Tips
- Anti-Cancer Nutrition: Dietary Fats 101
- Anti-Cancer Nutrition: Sugar and Carbohydrates 101
- Anti-Cancer Nutrition: Protein 101
When looking for cancer nutrition experts, you’ll find many websites out there, but not all use evidence-informed research to back them up. Below are some of my favorite sites that offer free recipes & nutrition recommendations which I found worthy of referencing for those undergoing cancer treatment and into survivorship. I am very interested to know what YOU think of them (please leave a comment.)
Conner Middelmann-Whitney
My favorite resource is Conner Middelmann-Whitney (cancer nutritionist and author of “Zest for Life: The Mediterranean Anti-Cancer Diet“).
Check out her tasty anti-cancer free recipes and educational cooking videos.
If you are searching for recipes that use the latest scientific information on anti-cancer nutrition research, look no further.
[caption id="attachment_3715" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Conner Middelmann-Whitney Recipes[/caption]
American Institute for Cancer Research
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has developed a set of recipes based on their concept of “The New American Plate” (a predominantly plant-based diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans).
Check out their weekly “Health-e-Recipes.”
For those of you that are new to the IOE, I encourage you to also check out the AICR site to learn a ton about how to reduce your risk of cancer with nutrition, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
[caption id="attachment_3714" align="alignnone" width="500"]
AICR Recipes[/caption]
Rebecca Katz
One of the most well-known names in this arena is Rebecca Katz (cancer chef and author of “The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery” and “The Longevity Kitchen: Satisfying, Big-Flavor Recipes Featuring the Top 16 Age-Busting Power Foods“).
Check out her free recipes and cooking videos.
[caption id="attachment_3716" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Rebecca Katz Recipes[/caption]
Diana Dyer
Diana Dyer, MS, RD (cancer dietician and author of “A Dietitian’s Cancer Story: Information & Inspiration for Recovery & Healing from a 3-time Cancer Survivor“).
Check out her free recipes.
[caption id="attachment_3717" align="alignnone" width="290"]
Diana Dyer Recipes[/caption]
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
As the alma mater for my radiation oncology residency, I have a special place in my heart for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. They publish free recipes for cancer patients and survivors on their Eating for Wellness blog and Health Library.
They also have meal planning tips and an Ask The Nutritionist section where you can submit questions on nutrition.
If you have an iPhone, you can also download their app called “Ask The Nutritionist: Recipes for Fighting Cancer“
[caption id="attachment_3718" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Dana Farber Cancer Institute Recipes[/caption]
Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care
Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care is one of the best integrative oncology centers in the U.S., combining medical oncology and numerous complementary therapies under one roof. Located just outside of Chicago, the Block Center is recognized for being one of the first evidence based integrative oncology centers.
Dr Keith Block is a friend and colleague of mine and is one of the founders of integrative oncology (often referred to as the “father of integrative onoclogy.”)
Dr Block is the author of the excellent book, “Life Over Cancer.” I recommend this book to all of my patients.
Check out some great free recipes on their blog.
[caption id="attachment_3719" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Block Center Recipes[/caption]
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) offers some great free recipes here and in their quarterly magazine, Cancer Fighters Thrive.
Like the Block Center, CTCA is another true integrative oncology program, with hospitals in AZ, IL, GA, OK and PA.
CTCA combines surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology and numerous complementary therapy specialities all under one roof.
If you haven’t heard of CTCA you probably don’t have a TV or radio and you might actually live under a rock 😉
[caption id="attachment_3720" align="alignnone" width="500"]
CTCA Recipes[/caption]
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society has a list of free “Healthy Recipes.“
[caption id="attachment_3721" align="alignnone" width="500"]
ACS Recipes[/caption]
Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott
Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott are cancer survivors and the authors of “Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen: The Girlfriend’s Cookbook and Guide to Using Real Food to Fight Cancer.”
Check out some of their free recipes.
[caption id="attachment_3722" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott Recipes[/caption]
University of Michigan
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Nutrition Services offers a list of free seasonal recipes and kid-friendly recipes.
[caption id="attachment_3723" align="alignnone" width="500"]
University of Michigan Recipes[/caption]
Stanford University
Stanford University Cancer Institute Nutrition Services has a list of free recipes.
[caption id="attachment_3724" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Stanford University Recipes[/caption]
Julie Lanford
Registered dietician, Julie Lanford, has a bunch of free recipes and lots of great nutrition tips and information about cancer prevention on her site CancerDietician.com
[caption id="attachment_3728" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Julie Lanford Recipes[/caption]
Jean Lamantia
Jean Lamantia is a cancer survivor and co-author of “The Essential Cancer Treatment Nutrition Guide and Cookbook.”
Check out her free recipes on her Cancer Bites blog.
[caption id="attachment_3729" align="alignnone" width="500"]
Jean Lamantia Recipes[/caption]
**If you know of any other quality resources for free recipes and cancer nutrition information that may be helpful for our IOE readers, please contact me know so I can review them and possibly add them to this list.**
Please subscribe to read the rest of this article (it's free!)
Receive occasional announcements about our upcoming book and important articles.
You have Successfully Subscribed!
We will never share your email address, and you can opt out at any time.
