When a child is going through cancer treatment, every decision feels weighty—especially when it comes to food. Chemotherapy and other treatments take a toll on the body, depleting essential nutrients, weakening the immune system, and often making eating a challenge. As a mom walking this road with Lochlan, I’ve found that one of the most powerful tools I have to support his healing is real, nourishing food.
Following the principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation, I focus on feeding my family nutrient-dense, whole foods that strengthen the body at a foundational level. This traditional way of eating—rich in healthy fats, pastured meats, raw dairy, bone broths, and fermented foods—provides the essential building blocks for immune support, gut health, and energy during the long days of treatment.
Nutrient-Dense Meals for Kids in Cancer Treatment
Here are some of the meals that have worked well for us, packed with the vitamins and minerals Lochlan needs to stay strong.
1. Creamy Bone Broth Soup
Why it helps: Bone broth is full of collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support gut healing, which is critical during chemotherapy. Blending it into a creamy soup makes it easier to enjoy.
Recipe:
• 2 cups homemade bone broth (from pastured chicken or grass-fed beef bones)
• ½ cup cooked carrots or butternut squash
• ¼ cup raw cream or coconut milk
• 1 tbsp grass-fed butter
• Sea salt to taste
Blend until smooth for a rich, comforting soup.
2. Raw Milk Smoothie with Liver
Why it helps: Raw milk is full of enzymes, probiotics, and fat-soluble vitamins, while grass-fed liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Blending it into a smoothie makes it easy to consume without the strong taste.
Recipe:
• 1 cup raw milk
• ½ frozen banana
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp grass-fed liver (frozen and grated)
• 1 tsp grass-fed cream or coconut oil
(Add any berries or other fruit you like. We love blueberries, mango, and apples in ours.)
Blend until smooth. The banana and honey mask the liver taste!
Tip: if you don't have access to quality liver you can purchase liver supplements and simply open them up and put the powder in the blender instead.
3. Sourdough Grilled Cheese with Raw Cheddar and Grass-Fed Butter
Why it helps: Sourdough is easier to digest than regular bread due to its natural fermentation. Raw cheese is rich in vitamins A, D, and K2, which support the immune system and bone health.
Recipe:
• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tbsp grass-fed butter
• 2 oz raw cheddar cheese
Cook on low heat to preserve the nutrients while making a comforting, easy-to-eat meal.
4. Wild-Caught Salmon with Fermented Veggies
Why it helps: Wild-caught salmon provides omega-3s for inflammation reduction and brain health. Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut or kimchi replenish good gut bacteria, which is often wiped out during chemo.
Recipe:
• 4 oz wild-caught salmon, baked in butter
• ¼ cup homemade sauerkraut or fermented carrots
Serve with extra butter for healthy fats.
5. Egg Yolk Custard with Raw Honey
Why it helps: Egg yolks from pastured chickens are rich in choline, DHA, and fat-soluble vitamins. This custard is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
Recipe:
• 3 pastured egg yolks
• 1 cup raw milk
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk ingredients, pour into ramekins, and bake at 300°F in a water bath for 30 minutes.
Healing Through Food
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding a child during cancer treatment, especially when nausea and fatigue are involved. Some days Lochlan barely eats, and other days, he surprises me with a strong appetite. I try to meet him where he is while making sure every bite counts.
Food isn’t just about calories—it’s about nourishment, healing, and comfort. While we can’t control everything on this journey, we can lean into the wisdom of traditional foods to help our little warriors grow stronger each day.
If you’re walking a similar road, I’d love to hear what has worked for your family. Let’s share our knowledge and support each other in feeding our kids well.
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