Protein Sources for Vegetarian Cancer Patients

Eating well during cancer treatment is tough. And if you're vegetarian, people around you probably keep saying "just eat more protein" without actually telling you how.  Let's see what to eat, why it matters, and how to make it work even on your worst days.

Why your body needs more protein

Chemo and radiation break your body down. It gives a blow to your muscles, to your tissue, to your energy, all of it. What makes your body recover and repair is protein. You get more fatigued without it, you break down more quickly, and you recover more slowly. The majority of cancer patients require a higher protein intake than that of a healthy individual. A lot more, actually. To vegetarians, which entails planning a bit, it is possible.

Foods that help

• Paneer: One small bowl (about 100 grams) gives you around 14–18 grams of protein. It is easy to chew and digest.
• Greek Yogurt: One cup gives you around 15 to 20 grams of protein. It's cold, smooth, and easy on a sore mouth or upset stomach.  Try to have plain ones because flavored ones have too much sugar. You can add honey if you need it to taste better.
• Lentils: One cup of cooked lentils has about 18 grams of protein. Red lentils are better; they cook down soft, so no heavy chewing is needed. Make a simple dal, add it to soup, or cook it in broth. 
• Tofu: It is easy to eat and digest. Firm tofu scrambled with a little salt and turmeric takes about 10 minutes to make and gives you a solid protein hit.
• Cottage Cheese: Not everyone loves it, but one cup has around 25 grams of protein.  Eat it plain, with fruit, or blend it into a smoothie if the texture bothers you. 
• Peanut Butter: Two tablespoons of peanut butterhaves about 8 grams of protein. Spread it on toast, stir it into oatmeal, or eat it straight off a spoon.
• Protein Shakes: On days when you genuinely cannot eat, a protein shake is your best friend. Look for pea protein or soy protein powder. Blend it with a banana and some milk or oat milk, and you've got 20 or more grams of protein without cooking a single thing.

Simple tips

When nausea is unbearable, it is easier to deal with cold foods. Cold yogurt, a cold shake, fridge cottage cheese, smell is a huge cause of nausea, and cold food has almost none. You do not need to hit a target every day. There are days when you will have a full meal. On some days, a yogurt and a few nuts are all you have. Both are fine. If your weight is dropping fast or you can't eat much at all, consult your oncology dietitian.