1
SOURCES American Institute for Cancer Research: aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer USDA Nutrient Database: ndb.nal.usda.gov clevelandclinic.org/HealthHub © 2015 Cleveland Clinic 6 SMOOTHIE TIPS FOR CANCER PATIENTS & SURVIVORS Soothing, powerful nutrition for treatment and beyond Smoothies are a delicious way to get the nutrients you need for treatment and recovery. Even if your appetite isn’t what it was, you need nourishment more than ever. Follow these tips, then share your smoothie with a friend or loved one! EACH COMBINATION MAKES 2 SERVINGS . Start with 2 cups of decaffeinated liquid to stay hydrated: Add 1 cup of mildly sweet, fiber-rich fruit to promote digestive health and to balance multiple flavors: Add 1 cup of dark-colored fruit to take advantage of their cancer-fighting phytochemicals. (Texture is thinner with fresh fruit, thicker with frozen fruit): Add 1 cup of tightly packed leafy greens to provide your body with the B vitamins and iron needed to reproduce blood cells, as well as other nutrients: Add protein to stabilize your blood sugar (the body’s fuel) and handle the physiological stress of cancer and healing: Dealing with an upset stomach? Considering using: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Filtered water A good choice for monitoring calories or making a milder smoothie Coconut water A natural rehydration beverage, packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium Almond milk Low-calorie and caffeine-free like water, but with a smooth silky texture Banana A good source of potassium for healthy blood pressure and electrolyte balance Spinach A power veggie known for iron but also high in the potent antioxidant vitamin A 1 Tbsp. whole nuts or nut butters (almond and walnuts are excellent choices) Yogurt A good source of probiotics (gut-healthy bacteria) Low-fat milk A great source of electrolytes, with protein added to the mix Ripe pear A good source of flavonols* Mango An excellent source of immune-boosting vitamins A and C Red or purple grapes Good sources of resveratrol* Romaine High in vitamin A and a mild, appealing option if you’ve never tried greens in a smoothie before ½ cup low-sugar protein powder (such as whey, hemp, rice or pea) 100% fruit juice A good choice for boosting calories or making a more robust, flavorful smoothie 4 oz. unsweetened Greek yogurt Kale A richly colored green and the trendiest of superfoods, high in antioxidant vitamins A and C Natural tummy-soothing agents Fresh mint (4-6 leaves), freshly grated ginger (2 tsp.) or lemon zest (½ tsp.) Berries or cherries Good sources of anthocyanin* Watermelon Good source of lycopene* * Flavonoids (such as flavonol, anthocyanin and lycopene) and polyphenols (such as resveratrol) are heart-healthy antioxidant plant compounds.
