Cancer Nutrition HQ

When cancer changes how food tastes and how much energy you have to cook, figuring out what to eat can feel overwhelming. Guest Chef Gia Fazio from Seena’s Care Kitchen shares practical ideas for easier meals, ingredient substitutions, and bringing some enjoyment back to food. We talk about kitchen shortcuts, making the most of leftovers, and giving yourself flexibility when meals don’t go as planned. While Care Kitchen was created for the pancreatic cancer community, this conversation offers helpful ideas for many cancer survivors and caregivers.Check out Seena's Care Kitchen:Recipes and resources: CareKitchen.orgCooking videos: Seena’s Care Kitchen on YouTubeLearn more: Seena Magowitz FoundationSend us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

 What is chemo brain? In this episode, oncology dietitian Dr. Krystle Zuniga explains cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), why it happens after cancer, and what current research says about exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress, and other strategies that may help support cognitive function. Send us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to recognize the millions of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. In this episode, Dr. Krystle Zuniga discusses what survivorship means, common challenges survivors may face after a cancer diagnosis, and why nutrition should be part of whole-person survivorship care. We’ll talk about fatigue, body changes, long-term side effects, chronic disease risk, and the importance of meeting your body where it’s at during recovery.Share your experience:  https://cancernutritionhq.buzzsprout.comSend us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

 Meeting with a dietitian and not sure what to expect? Or maybe you’ve had an experience that didn’t feel helpful. In this episode, we discuss why oncology nutrition appointments can sometimes fall short and how to make the most of your time with a dietitian. Plus, practical tips to help you prepare for your next visit and get the support you actually need. Send us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

Do you find yourself saying, "I know I should eat, but I just don’t want to"? If eating has become another exhausting task on your to-do list, you aren't alone. This episode explores the science behind low appetite (cancer-related anorexia) and practical strategies to stay nourished when food feels like a chore.In this episode, we discuss:Why cancer and cancer treatment turn down your appetite.Practical Strategies and Tips and tips to boost intakeAppetite StimulantsAnd how caregivers can support their loved one without mealtime pressureLearn why "something is better than nothing" and how to keep yourself fueled even when your body isn't sending the right signals.Send us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

I break down a new large clinical trial that examined weight loss outcomes in women with stage II–III breast cancer after treatment. We explore what the year-long lifestyle intervention included, how much weight participants lost, and why average numbers don’t tell the full story. I discuss differences in weight loss by menopausal status and race, common frustrations survivors experience, and where GLP-1 medications may fit into weight management after breast cancer.Ligibel JA, Ballman KV, McCall L, et al. Impact of a Weight Loss Intervention on 1-Year Weight Change in Women With Stage II/III Breast Cancer: Secondary Analysis of the Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) Trial. JAMA Oncol. 2025;11(10):1194-1203. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.2738Send us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

This episode covers the release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. I walk through how the Dietary Guidelines are traditionally developed, including the role of scientific experts, public comment, and the translation of evidence into policy. I then share my concerns about changes in transparency and scientific rigor in this edition, highlight specific contradictions within the guidelines, and explain why these recommendations will not be changing how I practice or communicate nutrition. ------------------2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans - Jan 2026 The Scientific Foundation For The Dietary Guidelines For Americans - Jan 2026 (the report from the new administration's selected panel)Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisor Committee - December 2024 (The original committee's report)World Cancer Research Fund Cancer Prevention RecommendationsSend us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

 Alcohol's connection to cancer is often misunderstood. This episode takes a look at how alcohol affects the body, why even moderate drinking can matter, and addresses common questions and misconceptions. It ends with practical ways to reflect on your habits and make choices that support your health.Download 15 Free Mocktail RecipesAdditional Resources2025 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory Alcohol and Cancer RiskSend us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

Before you set your New Year’s resolutions, listen to this episode. This episode walks you step-by-step through how to set realistic, habit-based health goals that fit into real life, especially for cancer survivors navigating  side effects. You’ll learn why motivation isn’t a reliable strategy, how outcome-focused goals  can actually undermine progress, and what cancer prevention research shows about the power of practicing health-supportive habits, even when they’re not done perfectly.If you’re setting health goals for the new year, this episode will help you build a strategy that actually lasts.Send us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com

In this episode, we explain how the immune system works, why survivors may be immunocompromised, and whether "immune-boosting" supplements actually help.  Learn the important role nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, and protein play in supporting immune cells. There are also several practical tips for how to support immune function without falling for marketing hype. FREE Winter Salad Recipes: https://mailchi.mp/11f16fb0709f/winterrecipeSend us Fan MailFollow me on Instagram @cancernutritionhqwww.cancernutritionhq.com