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Healthy Summer Recipes: Working With Our Nutritionists

When you’re going through cancer treatment, some days your appetite may disappear, other days food doesn’t taste the way it used to, and sometimes even… Read more

When you’re going through cancer treatment, some days your appetite may disappear, other days food doesn’t taste the way it used to, and sometimes even your favorite foods just don’t appeal to you anymore. You’re not alone in this. On days when drinking water feels like too much, seasonal fruits and vegetables can offer gentle, natural hydration. The key is finding foods that work with your body, rather than against it.

Cod with Cucumber, Avocado, and Mango Salsa Salad

If you’re struggling with appetite or dealing with a sore mouth, this gentle yet satisfying meal might become your new go-to. The cod is mild and flaky, easy to chew and swallow, while the cool salsa provides refreshing relief.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, cubed
• 1 mango, diced
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil (divided)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season cod fillets with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil
2. Pan-fry cod for 3-4 minutes per side until flaky and cooked through
3. Combine cucumber, avocado, mango, lime juice, remaining olive oil, and cilantro for salsa
4. Serve cod over mixed greens, topped with the fresh salsa

Sour Cherry Sorbet

When your mouth is sore or you’re feeling nauseous, sometimes the only thing that sounds appetizing is something cold and soothing.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh sour cherries, pitted (or frozen)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan
2. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cherries have broken down. Let the mixture thicken slightly
3. Add lemon juice and stir to combine
4. Allow the mixture to cool completely
5. Process in an ice cream maker
6. Freeze until firm

Don’t have an ice cream maker? You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes for the first few hours to break up ice crystals.

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer treatment, as chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments, as treatment can significantly affect your eating habits, nutritional needs, and even how your body digests and absorbs food. Patients who maintain proper nutrition throughout their treatment consistently show better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute offers consultations with our in-house registered dietitian who specializes in helping patients cope with diet and appetite issues related to cancer and cancer treatment. Our dietitian evaluates each patient’s nutritional status and provides individualized recommendations to help patients maintain their strength and nutrition throughout their cancer treatment.

Summer offers wonderful opportunities to explore fresh, cooling foods that can make eating more enjoyable during treatment. Whether you’re dealing with taste changes, mouth sores, or simply a lack of appetite, there are ways to nourish your body that don’t feel like a battle. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

If you’re struggling with nutrition during your cancer treatment, contact Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute at (918) 505-3200 to schedule a consultation with our registered dietitian and get the personalized support you deserve.