Top 5 Best Protein Snacks for Cancer Survivors: Nourish & Rebuild
Protein is essential for reducing cancer fatigue, maintaining
muscle, increase red blood & white cells and improving skin repair.
When it comes to eating enough protein, it is easy to fall into the
temptation of buying foods advertised as “high protein” such as:
high-protein bars
high-protein chips
high-protein ice cream
And while this is better than regular junk food, it is still junk food disguised as healthy.
If you are looking to get more protein after cancer to improve muscle mass and remain healthy, here are my top Top 5 Best Protein Snacks for Cancer Survivors.
Tip: Skip the “high protein” junk food, and get your protein from whole foods.
For more information on how many grams of protein you need after cancer click here.
1) Cottage Cheese: High Protein Snack for Cancer Survivors
Why is cottage cheese great for cancer survivors?
1 serving of cottage cheese on a slice of whole grain bread with 1 serving of chia seeds will give you:
Calories: 420
Protein: 24 g
Fiber: 13 g
Cottage cheese is low in calories and high in protein.
Cottage cheese is an easy snack to have that can go well with many things and has ~14g of protein per ½ cup.
Tip: Pair cottage cheese with chia seeds for extra protein and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cottage cheese is easy on the stomach and can be put on whole grain toast with either Chia seeds, berries, honey, and/or cinnamon.
2) Greek Yogurt: High Protein Snack for Cancer Survivors
Why is greek yogurt a great protein snack for cancer survivors
1 serving of greek yogurt with almonds, and berries has
Calories: 300
Protein: ~21-26 g
Fiber: ~7 g
Greek yogurt is low in calories and high in protein and probiotics.
One serving of Greek yogurt has ~15-20 g of protein per serving and
15% of your daily calcium need.
Tip: Add fresh berries for their cancer-fighting antioxidants and a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness.
If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt with added protein.
Greek yogurt is a quick snack you can add Chia seeds, berries, honey, and/or cinnamon to for an added anti-inflammatory effect.
3) Protein shake: High Protein Snack for Cancer Survivors
Why is a protein shake a great protein snack for cancer survivors
A protein shake can be done at home or bought from the store.
My favorite high protein shakes to recommend are:
Owyn Pro Elite ( Plant Based)
Calories: 200
Protein: 32 g
Fiber: ~7 g
Fair life Core Elite ( Lactose Free)
Calories: 300
Protein: ~21-26 g
Fiber: ~7 g
Chanbori (Quick Grab)
Calories: 300
Protein: ~21-26 g
Fiber: ~7 g
Protein shakes are a quick and efficient way to boost protein intake,
especially for cancer survivors who may struggle with appetite
Many protein shakes will give you 20-30g of protein per serving, depending on the brand.
Tip: Choose Whey protein and add fresh berries, chia seeds, and nut butter for extra calories and cancer-fighting antioxidants. If taste is an issue, add a few drops of vanilla or a bit of raw honey for sweetness, and choose a plant-based protein powder like pea, hemp, or soy protein.
Simple Protein Shake Recipe:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or dairy alternative)
1 scoop plant-based or whey protein powder (look for low-sugar options)
1 tbsp almond or peanut butter
½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
½ banana (for natural sweetness)
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds or chia seeds (for fiber & omega-3s)
½ tsp cinnamon (for anti-inflammatory benefits)
Handful of ice (optional)
Let me know in the comments what you think of the recipe or what other recipes you like! Share the love and let us know what works for you!
4) hard boiled eggs: High Protein Snack for Cancer Survivors
Why are hard boiled eggs a great protein snack for cancer survivors?
2 hard boiled eggs with 2/3 of an avocado and a slice of whole grain bread will give you:
Calories: 420
Protein: 24 g
Fiber: 13 g
Eggs complete source of protein, rich in choline which is essential for brain function after chemo brain and has ~ 6 g of protein per egg.
Tip: Combine eggs with avocados support cellular repair and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, or turmeric for added anti-inflammatory benefits
Pairing them with avocado and whole grain bread can provide you with heart-healthy fats and fiber.
5) Shrimp & Tuna: High Protein Snack for Cancer Survivors
Tuna is a great high protein snack for cancer survivors
Tuna and shrimp are excellent sources of lean protein and essential omega-3s.
Tuna & shrimp a great lean protein high in Omega-3 fatty acids Low in mercury (when using light tuna) and 20-25g per serving)
Tip: Add greek yogurt or avocado instead of mayo to provide a creamy texture more protein and less calories.
Simple Tuna/ Shrimp Salad Recipe:
1 can of light tuna in water (or ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
½ tsp Dijon mustard (for flavor)
1 tbsp chopped celery or cucumbers (for crunch)
¼ tsp black pepper & a pinch of sea salt
½ tsp lemon juice (for freshness)
Serve this in a avocado or on whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, or lettuce wraps for a light but filling snack.
PAIR UP EATING MORE PROTEIN WITH THE RIGHT WORKOUT ROUTINE
Your body only needs about ~0.8 g per kg of protein per body weight without exercise.
Ex: 150 lbs / 2.2 kg = 68 kg
68 kg * 0.8 = 55 g of protein.
But when you eat more protein than your body needs, the excess amino acids are either turned to blood sugar and/or fat to be stored, used for energy, or broken down to be "peed out" from the excess amino acids from protein.
Disclaimer: this is just an estimate it is not a perfect figure for your specific body needs. Protein requirements will vary per person.
But when you exercise or are trying to lose weight,
your body needs more protein and uses the extra protein to build muscle and improve your body.
Therefore, when looking to add in more protein, it’s also important to pair it up with exercise—specifically resistance training.
For more information on how to start lifting weights after cancer click here, but if you feel like you need guidance on:
what exercises to do
need the exact number of sets and reps
with a personalized plan
So that you can see the health and fitness benefits you want such as:
build more muscle
lose fat
increase strength
And do everything you can to reduce cancer risk,
join my 1-1 coaching where I take out all the guesswork.
I will coach you through a personalized workout routine and give you everything you need to know about weight lifting
so that you don’t have to fumble through your workout routine anymore.
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