During cancer treatment, your body needs more protein than usual to support healing, maintain muscle mass, and strengthen the immune system. While regular meals provide some protein, incorporating high-protein snacks and breakfasts can help you meet your daily goals more effectively.
In this article, Senior Dietitian provides three easy, nutritious recipes rich in protein—perfect for starting your day or boosting energy between meals.
Why Is Protein Important During Cancer Treatment?
Protein plays a crucial role in tissue repair, immune function, and energy production. When undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, your body’s demand for protein increases. Insufficient intake can lead to muscle loss, fatigue, and slower recovery.
Aim to include a source of protein in every meal and snack. Good sources include lentils, legumes, dairy, eggs, chicken, fish, paneer, and soy products.
Which Foods Are High in Protein?
Here are some protein-rich foods commonly available in Indian kitchens:
- Legumes: Chana dal, moong dal, urad dal, rajma, chana
- Dairy: Milk, yogurt (curd), paneer, cheese
- Eggs and non-vegetarian: Eggs, chicken, fish
- Nuts and seeds: Peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
- Grains: Quinoa, oats, bajra, ragi (rich in protein for cereals)
High-Protein Recipes
Chana Dal Dosa
A protein-rich twist on a South Indian classic, perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
- Chana dal (split Bengal gram) – 1 cup
- Raw rice – ½ cup
- Onion, finely chopped – ¼ cup
- Green chilies, chopped – 1–2
- Ginger, grated – 1 tsp
- Curry leaves – 5–6
- Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
- Urad dal (optional, for crispiness) – 2 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as needed
- Oil – for cooking
Method
- Soak chana dal and rice together for 4–6 hours. If using urad dal, add it to the soak.
- Grind into a smooth batter with water. It should be slightly thicker than regular dosa batter.
- Pour into a bowl, mix in chopped onion, chilies, ginger, and curry leaves.
- Heat a non-stick pan, pour a ladle of batter, and spread gently into a thin circle.
- Sprinkle mustard seeds and a few drops of oil. Cook until golden and crisp.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
Paneer Paratha
A wholesome, filling snack or breakfast option rich in protein and calcium.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour – 1 cup
- Paneer, crumbled – ½ cup
- Onion, finely chopped – ¼ cup (optional)
- Coriander leaves, chopped – 2 tbsp
- Green chili, finely chopped – 1
- Garam masala – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Oil or ghee – for cooking
- Water – as needed
Method
- Mix whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to form a soft dough. Rest for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine crumbled paneer, onion, coriander, chili, garam masala, and salt.
- Divide dough into small balls. Flatten one, place a spoon of filling, seal, and roll into a paratha.
- Cook on a hot tawa with oil or ghee until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve warm with yogurt or pickle.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A quick, energy-boosting drink ideal for days with low appetite.
Ingredients
- Banana – 1 large
- Peanut butter – 2 tbsp
- Milk (dairy or plant-based) – 1 cup
- Honey – 1 tsp (optional)
- Chia seeds – 1 tsp (optional)
Method
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Tip: Add a scoop of protein powder if recommended by your dietician.