The fall harvest season brings recipes that are not only tasty, but also include nutrients that can help support your body when going through cancer treatment. For some people, staple fall produce and recipes can be more than just fuel for your body; they can provide a sense of comfort and strength that’s often needed to help your body through stressful times, including stressful cancer therapy appointments. 

Whether you’re a patient or a caregiver helping a loved one through treatment, we’re covering some of the ways you can incorporate cozy fall flavors into your meals to help nourish your body.

Why is nutrition important after a cancer diagnosis?

Depending on your treatment, weight fluctuation may be a common side effect. What you eat not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but also helps keep your body strong to manage other treatment-related symptoms. Having a balanced diet also supports immune function, healing and recovery, and fighting inflammation.

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You may experience changes in your appetite and taste during or after treatment, but both medical oncologists Dr. Stephen Liu and Dr. Martin Dietrich emphasize the importance of meeting your caloric needs to have a stable weight. If you’re noticing changes to your eating habits, be sure to bring it up with your care team. They may refer you to a registered dietitian to help you plan and adjust your meals. 

Seasonal autumn produce to try

Although pumpkin tends to take center stage this season, fall brings an abundance of other hearty and delicious produce you can include on your grocery list in addition to pumpkin. Below are some of our favorites: 

• Apples
• Pears
• Beets
• Brussel sprouts
• Cranberries
• Potatoes/sweet potatoes
• Herbs
• Squash
• Kale
• Swiss chard
• Carrots
• Okra

You don’t need complicated recipes to include fall fruits and vegetables in your diet. It can be as simple as dicing up pears or apples into your morning oatmeal with warming spices, wilting some of the leafy vegetables in a stir-fry or a stew, or enhancing a dish with herbs like sage, fennel, or rosemary. These are simple ways to add more fiber to your diet, which Rachel Beller, MS, RDN, says “is a very powerful yet very simple tool in helping fight cancer.”

Remember, canned and frozen options are always available if you’re looking for a longer shelf life or a more economical choice. Just be sure to check out the sugar and salt levels of the canned foods you’re purchasing and try to look for low-sodium options. 

Don’t neglect spices

Fall is a great season to utilize your spice cabinet. Take advantage of cozy spices, including ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and more. Rachel says, “Spices are so simple. When it comes to potential anti-cancer mechanisms, there are tons of studies on multiple fronts. With just a few pinches, you can dramatically elevate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of every meal.” 

Be sure to ask your care team about what dietary guidelines you should follow before making changes to your diet.

Focus on a balanced plate

At the end of the day, nutrition during cancer treatment isn’t about creating the “perfect” meal; it’s about finding balance and choosing foods that help you feel your best. Building a plate with a mix of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, colorful vegetables, and spices can give your body the strength it needs. Lean on seasonal produce when you can, and don’t be afraid to adapt recipes to suit your changing tastes. Most importantly, listen to your body and work with your care team to find what works best for you.

Looking for recipe ideas? Check out our list of cookbook recommendations for anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer.