Healthy Eating Week at HCCN
This Healthy Eating Week, we’re reflecting on what it really means to eat well, especially when you’re living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis.
For some, healthy eating means loading your plate with protein, fibre, and colourful veg. For others, it’s simply about finding something, anything, that feels manageable when appetite is low, taste buds are off, or treatment has knocked you sideways.
And that’s okay.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to food during or after cancer. But if you find yourself reaching for sweets often, or want to ease the sugar cravings that come and go, we’ve gathered some gentle, friendly swaps that might help—when the time feels right for you.
1. Choose Whole Fruits and Berries 🍓
Have you been craving something sweet? Reach for fresh fruit like berries, apples, pears or oranges. They’re naturally sweet, packed with fibre, and much more gentle on your blood sugar than biscuits or sweets.
💡 Tip: Keep a bowl of washed fruit within easy reach, it’s more likely to get eaten that way.
2. Savour a Square of Dark Chocolate 🍫
Still fancy chocolate? Try a square or two of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more). It’s more intense in flavour, lower in sugar, and easier to enjoy in moderation.
💡 Pair it with a few nuts or a hot drink to slow things down and feel satisfied.
3. Include Protein, Healthy Fats & Fibre at Meals 🥑
Balance your plate with protein (like eggs, beans, fish or chicken), healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts) and wholegrain carbs (like oats, brown rice or wholemeal bread). It keeps you fuller for longer and helps reduce the rollercoaster of cravings.
💡 Even something like scrambled eggs on wholegrain toast can be a powerful combo.
4. Snack Smart with Nuts & Seeds 🌰
Need a quick snack? A small handful of mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, or a spoon of nut butter on oatcakes can keep you going without a sugar crash.
💡 Keep portions small—a snack bowl size is plenty.
5. Sweeten Naturally with Veg 🍠
Don’t underestimate the natural sweetness in roasted vegetables like sweet potato, parsnip or carrots. These are brilliant roasted with a little olive oil and go well with meals or as a snack.💡 A bowl of warm roasted veg is comforting and nourishing, especially on cooler days.
6. Pick Natural Yogurt 🥣
Plain Greek-style yogurt is a great option. They’re rich in protein and friendly bacteria for gut health. Add your own fruit, a drizzle of honey or a few seeds to make it your own.
💡 Choose “natural” or “unsweetened” on the label to avoid hidden sugars.
7. Distract and Delay🚶
Sometimes a craving isn’t about hunger at all—it’s habit, stress or boredom. Try a gentle distraction like a walk round the block, a glass of water, or a soothing activity like journalling or a warm shower.
💡 Cravings often pass in 15–20 minutes—give yourself a pause.
💙 Food is Personal. So is Recovery.
This Healthy Eating Week, we’re not chasing perfection. We’re celebrating small wins—whatever they look like for you.
If that means a high-protein snack after your Get Active class, great. If it means nibbling on your favourite biscuit because it’s the only thing that tastes right today, that’s just as valid.
We’re here to support you with kindness and real-life advice, not pressure. Email us, message us on social media. Let’s talk about food, fatigue, and whatever’s on your plate right now, metaphorically or literally.
Sources & Inspiration
This article was inspired by insights from trusted nutrition and wellbeing resources, including:
- BBC Good Food – 10 Ways to Manage Your Sugar Cravings
- Healthline – 19 Foods That Help Fight Sugar Cravings
- Eat This, Not That – Foods to Help Stop Sugar Cravings
All recommendations are shared in the spirit of community support, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team if you’re unsure what’s right for you.
👉 For further reading and recipe ideas, you might also enjoy exploring The Fast 800 recipe collection or the NHS Better Health food and diet advice.