1. Soup

Soup is one of the best foods to make for a friend with cancer, or just anyone who is sick. Soup is warm and comforting, perfect for when your friend is fighting off a cold or flu. Try going organic when you can, even making your own stock/broth if you have the time. Also make sure to load up the soup with plenty of immunity-boosting and antioxidant-rich veggies.

2. Green Smoothies

Your friend needs nutrients now more than ever. Some of their cancer treatments may make it difficult for them to eat or keep food down. Make them a nourishing green smoothie that’s packed with leafy greens like kale and spinach. Green smoothies are pretty easy to eat for even the worst cases of nausea. These smoothies will provide your friend with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients they need.

3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of the ultimate comfort foods when you’re sick, especially when you have cancer. Ramp up the nutrient content of this dish by making it with sweet potatoes instead of the traditional white. Sweet potatoes have high levels of beta-carotene which your body converts into vitamin A. Add a dash of milk and some cinnamon for a sumptuous, hearty, and comforting dish your friend is sure to love.

4. Peanut Butter Shakes

Many cancer patients often struggle to maintain a healthy weight when undergoing treatment. Use healthy fats as a way to increase their caloric intake while they’re fighting. I like adding nut butters to shakes for added healthy fat. Peanut butter, almond butter, and even cashew butter are all great starts.

5. Fruits and Vegetable Juices

For cancer patients that don’t have much of an appetite, sometimes it’s better to serve juices instead of solid foods. Making fresh fruit and vegetable juices is a fantastic solution to help your friend heal and feel better. Try juicing a variety of fruits and vegetables like spinach, kale, pineapple, apples, Swiss chard, celery, cucumber, and oranges to name a few.

6. Quinoa or Brown Rice Pilafs

Maybe your friend wants something rich and satisfying. Grain based pilafs mix whole grains like quinoa or brown rice with various veggies, fruits, and even herbs for a textured and flavorful side or even main dish. Give your pilaf a Latin flair by adding black beans, cilantro, and lime juice to a red quinoa. Or go Middle Eastern by adding chickpeas, diced bell peppers, and saffron to brown rice.

7. Fruit Salad

Everyone gets bored eating the same fruits and veggies over and over again-even your friend with cancer. Jazz things up by creating a sweet and delectable fruit salad that incorporates all types of fruit. This will help your friend get a variety of nutrients from many different fruits. You can even cut the fruit into fun shapes to make it more appealing and appetizing.

Helping a friend with cancer is never easy. Besides offering emotional and psychological support, take some time to stop by their home and make them some delicious home-cooked food. Your friend will definitely appreciate the gesture. How have you helped your friend with cancer or other illnesses?