When a child is undergoing cancer treatment, proper nutrition becomes even more important, but things like nausea, loss of appetite, and mouth sores can make eating large meals tough. As a caregiver, providing small, frequent snacks that are nutritious, tough to say no to and easy to pack, especially for frequent hospital visits, can help keep your child’s strength up during this challenging time.
India’s diverse diets and eating habits work in your favor—more variety means more food options! Here are a few easy snack ideas that can be enjoyed across the country and customized to suit what’s locally available. So do include the below as part of your child’s pediatric cancer diet.
Laddoos
Laddoos, the favorite snack of Chhota Bheem, are a traditional Indian sweet made from cereal or pulse flour, nuts, ghee, and a sweetener like jaggery, sugar, or dates. They’re not only delicious but also packed with calories and protein to help kids gain or maintain weight. Some healthy laddoo options include:
- Ragi laddoo made with finger millet flour, jaggery, and ghee
- Chana dal laddoo made with chickpea flour, jaggery, and nuts
- Peanut laddoo made with roasted peanut, jaggery, and milk powder
- Foxnut or makhana laddoo made with roasted makhana, nuts, jaggery and ghee
To make laddoos, roast the flour and nuts in ghee until aromatic. Powder nuts and then mix everything together with jaggery, and shape into round balls. If your child finds the laddoos too dry or hard to swallow due to treatment-related mouth dryness, simply crush them in milk and serve as a porridge for an easier, nourishing option.
Cutlet and Tikkis
These are a healthier alternative to fried foods. Here are some tasty cutlet and tikki options:
- Vegetable cutlets or tikkis made with potatoes, carrots, sweet corn, peas, and spices
- Green cutlets with green peas, spinach, coriander leaves, sattu and spices
- Paneer cutlets featuring cottage cheese, boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes, and your choice of veggies
- Bean cutlets made from boiled chole or rajma, combined with some potatoes and vegetables
Cutlets or tikkis can be shaped into small flat rounds and shallow-fried in a minimal amount of oil, served alongside a non-spicy mint chutney. Be sure to load these with plenty of vegetables, sprouted legumes, or paneer, while minimizing the use of potatoes or bread to keep them nutrient-rich. If binding becomes an issue, you can simply add some roasted chana flour, powdered poha, besan, or sattu to the mixture. You can also adjust the spice levels and texture (in terms of softness) of the tikkis based on your child’s tolerance. Sometimes, serving the cutlets mashed in a bit of curd can make them easier to consume. Sprinkling some chaat masala on the tikki can add elevate the yumminess quotient.
Smoothies
Who says snacks have to be solid? Smoothies can be a fantastic choice for children with cancer, offering essential nutrients in a tasty and easy-to-drink format—especially when they’re dealing with side effects like mouth sores, nausea, and vomiting. They can help boost energy levels, increase protein intake, and support hydration. So do try:
- Banana peanut butter smoothie: A blend of bananas, peanut butter, milk or a dairy free option like almond or soya milk.
- Mango milkshake or lassi: Mix together fresh mangoes (or any fruit) with milk for a yummy drink. If the child has been advised to avoid milk for some reason, switch milk with a non-dairy option or curd.
- Savory smoothie: If sweet is not the preferred taste palate, then try a savoury smoothie that comes together with boiled chickpeas, tomatoes, coriander, buttermilk, salt and some spices.
Sandwiches and Rolls
Sandwiches and rolls make for easy and satisfying snacks. Opt for whole wheat bread, or even better, chapati or paratha for an extra nutritional roll. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Toasted Vegetable Sandwich: Layered with cucumber, tomatoes, and cheese..
- Paneer Sandwich or Roll: A simple paneer bhurji stuffed between two slices of bread or rolled into a chapathi.
- Boiled Egg Roll or Sandwich: A boiled egg cubed and mixed with hung curd and a dash of mustard served between bread slices or chapathi can be your child’s next favorite. Served with your child’s favorite chutney.
Feel free to get creative with fillings, but aim for at least half to be veggies (remember, potato doesn’t count as a vegetable!) and the rest should include a protein source like sprouts, eggs, paneer, curd, cheese, or soy. If your child is dealing with mouth sores or dryness, serving the sandwiches cold instead of toasted or adding a dipping sauce that helps moisten the roll can make them easier to eat.
To make snack time smoother, prepare these options in advance and store them hygienically for easy access. When choosing snacks, prioritize high-calorie, high-protein options to help your child maintain their weight and strength during treatment. Avoid foods that may exacerbate side effects like mouth sores or nausea.
Every child’s nutritional needs during cancer treatment can vary, so it’s essential to collaborate closely with your child’s doctor and dietitian. Together, you can create a snack plan that strikes the right balance of calories, protein, and nutrients to support their healing journey. With a little creativity and patience, you can turn snack time into a nourishing and enjoyable experience for your child.
