Going through cancer treatment can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. From chemotherapy sessions to radiation appointments, the last thing you want to worry about is spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals. However, maintaining a nutritious diet is crucial to help your body recover and keep your energy levels up. The right kitchen gadgets can make meal prep much easier, quicker, and less draining.
Here are some of the best kitchen gadgets that can help you stay nourished while conserving your energy during treatment.
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1. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
A slow cooker or Instant Pot can be a lifesaver during cancer treatment. These appliances allow you to toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the machine do the rest. For patients dealing with fatigue, this low-effort cooking method is ideal. You can make soups, stews, casseroles, and even healthy desserts without standing over the stove.
Why itโs helpful:
- Requires minimal effort and supervision
- Great for batch cooking, allowing you to prepare several meals at once
- Keeps food warm until youโre ready to eat
Here is the best one you can find on Amazon:
2. Food Processor
Chopping vegetables, mincing garlic, or preparing sauces can be labor-intensive, especially when youโre not feeling your best. A food processor does all of this in seconds, saving you time and effort. Whether youโre making a smoothie bowl, pureeing veggies for a soup, or preparing homemade pesto, a food processor is a game changer.
Why itโs helpful:
- Cuts down on prep time
- Versatile for multiple meal types (soups, dips, sauces)
- Can help you maintain a healthy, whole-food diet with ease
This is the best one that I found on Amazon.
3. Blender or Immersion Blender
Smoothies are an excellent way to pack nutrients into your diet when your appetite is low or when youโre experiencing nausea. A high-quality blender makes it easy to whip up a smoothie loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals in no time. An immersion blender is also fantastic for pureeing soups right in the pot, so you donโt have to transfer hot liquid between containers.
Why itโs helpful:
- A quick and easy way to consume nutrient-dense meals
- Helps with blending smooth, easy-to-digest foods
- Easy cleanup compared to multiple pots and pans
I used my smoothie blender like this one below all the time while I was undergoing chemo and radiation. It was much easier to have a quick, healthy smoothie for breakfast than to cook a meal. Here is the one I recommend:
4. Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is more than just a tool for making tea. Boiling water for soups, instant oatmeal, or even a quick hot water bath for veggies becomes much faster and more convenient. Plus, if youโre dealing with dry mouth (a common side effect of cancer treatments), staying hydrated with hot herbal teas can be comforting.
Why itโs helpful:
- Quick, hands-off boiling for a variety of food and drink needs
- Compact and easy to use with just a button press
- Ideal for preparing quick, light meals
During chemo, I drank a lot of peppermint tea to calm my nauseous stomach. Here is the kettle that I found on Amazon:
5. Air Fryer
If youโre craving a crispy snack but want to avoid heavy oils or greasy foods, an air fryer can be your best friend. It uses hot air circulation to crisp up food, whether itโs veggies, chicken, or even frozen items like fish sticks. You can enjoy healthier versions of comfort food with far less effort and oil.
Why itโs helpful:
- Healthier alternatives to fried foods
- Fast cooking time without the need for standing or stirring
- Versatile for snacks, sides, or even main meals
This is the one I got from Amazon. I use it all the time for quick, healthy dinners and lunches:
6. Meal Prep Containers
While not a gadget, meal prep containers can be a game-changer for managing fatigue. Prepping meals in bulk and portioning them out in containers allows you to store and reheat food with minimal effort throughout the week. These containers are available in both microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe varieties, making them incredibly convenient.
Why itโs helpful:
- Saves time on cooking multiple meals
- Helps with portion control, ensuring you maintain balanced nutrition
- Easy to store and stack in the fridge or freezer
7. Automatic Jar Opener
Sometimes, everyday tasks like opening jars can feel impossible when youโre dealing with weakness or joint pain from treatments. An automatic jar opener can be a small but incredibly helpful gadget for those days when you donโt have the strength.
Why itโs helpful:
- Takes the strain off your hands and wrists
- Simple and user-friendly
- Useful for those with limited dexterity or strength
These kitchen gadgets can be valuable allies during cancer treatment, helping you maintain a healthy diet while conserving your energy. By simplifying meal preparation, you can focus more on resting and healing. Whether itโs batch cooking with an Instant Pot or blending up a nutrient-rich smoothie, these tools make it easier to nourish your body during one of the toughest journeys.
Take it one meal at a time, and donโt be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With the right tools, you can make meal prep less stressful and more manageable.
