Master the Art of Eating Well Before, During, and After Cancer Recovery

This article is inspired by the insights and discussion with chefs, Johanna and Alexa from Gather Around Nutrition. They prepare personalized organic nutrient-dense food to deliver to people recovering from cancer. Episode 44. Food as Medicine: How a Network of Private Chefs Supports Cancer Patients During Treatment with Johanna and Alexa from Gather Around Nutrition of The Born to Heal Podcast by Dr. Katie Deming, The Conscious Oncologist

You know how some days never go to plan and you're left sitting at home staring at the UberEats app deciding between pizza or pasta? Or worse, in a mile-long drive-thru line at In N’ Out?

When you're in a rush, your blood sugar takes a dive and it's easy to reach for whatever food is quick and convenient, even if it's not the most nutritious food for your body. We can all thank Lucky Charms, donuts, and pop tarts for training us to grab the most sugar-laced foods for breakfast.

But what is the one thing that can help you stay on track, no matter how your day unfolds? I'm talking about preparing your meals and snacks in advance.?

Picture this: it's a busy morning, and you're rushing out the door because your kids woke up late and missed the school bus. So now you have to drop them off and you are starving.

But Instead of grabbing a carb-loaded bagel at Einsteins or Starbucks, you reach into your fridge and pull out a delicious, nutrient-packed breakfast burrito that you prepped the night before. Then, you're off to conquer with a full stomach that won’t send you into a sugar crash.?

But the benefits of meal prepping don't stop at breakfast. When you take a little time to plan and prepare your lunches, dinners, and snacks ahead of time, you're setting yourself up for success. Consider having meals prepared or preparing them yourself the day or week before, and putting healthy snacks in your car, at your office, and in your gym bag.

Design your fridge to be full of healthy options at your fingertips, so you won't be tempted by vending machines at work or the drive-thru on the way home.?

So, what kind of meals and snacks should you be preparing??

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Mason jar salads: Layer your favorite veggies, protein, and dressing in a jar for a portable, what some would call an Instagram-worthy, lunch.

2. Overnight oats: Combine oats, milk, fruit, and a dash of sweetness in a jar, let it chill overnight, and wake up to a breakfast that's ready to rock.

3. Energy balls: Mix up some oats, nut butter, honey, and your favorite add-ins, roll them into balls, and pop them in the fridge for a snack that'll keep you going during your marathon of meetings and Zoom calls.

4. Sheet pan dinners: Chop up some veggies and protein, toss them in olive oil on a sheet pan with your favorite seasonings, and roast away. Dinner is served (and lunch the next day, too!).

The simpler the better. Mix and match your favorite colors and flavors, and don't be afraid to get a little creative in the kitchen.

When you've got a fridge full of prepped meals and snacks, you'll feel like a weight has been lifted. No more stressing about what to eat, no more last-minute grocery runs, just delicious, nourishing food at your fingertips.

Are you ready to join team meal prep? Start small, maybe prepping a couple of meals a week, and watch your energy increase and pounds melt away.