Skip to Content

NorthShore’s online source for timely health and wellness news, inspiring patient stories and tips to lead a healthy life.

Healthy You

Fueling the Fight: Cancer Fighting Breakfast

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 6:42 AM

The fight against cancer is a tough fight. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be exhausting and your body needs food to power through each treatment.

Lori Wyble, Oncology Dietitian at the Kellogg Cancer Center at NorthShore, believes that good eating is the most pleasurable way to prevent cancer and promote good health. Lori has provided a delicious breakfast meal that is packed with nutrients. The perfect way to start your day for everyone!

Creamy Millet with Blueberry Compote

A staple grain of India, millet is a versatile gluten-free whole grain that is similar to quinoa. Whole millet is a nutritional powerhouse providing a good source of protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium. Blueberries are a no-brainer when it comes to cancer-fighting properties! They contain phytochemicals known as anthocyanins, as well as excellent sources of Vitamins C and K. The recipe takes 10 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook for a total time of 35 minutes.

Recipe makes 4-6 servings
Ingredients
Blueberry Compote:
1-1/2 cups frozen organic blueberries
1 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Creamy Millet:
2 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup water
1 cup millet, rinsed well
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp allspice
3/4 cup organic unflavored soymilk
1/4 tsp grated orange zest
1 tbsp unrefined coconut oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp toasted, slivered almonds

Instructions

  • To prepare compote, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat;
  • bring to a boil.
  • Cook 5-10 minutes or until the mixture pulls away from the sides and becomes syrupy, stirring occasionally.
  • To prepare millet, bring 2 cups juice and water to a boil in a small saucepan, then stir in millet, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and allspice.
  • Return to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer 25 minutes.
  • Add almond milk, stirring to break up any clumps in the millet.
  • The millet should be tender, with the consistency of oatmeal. Stir in 1/4 tsp zest, oil and 1 tbsp maple syrup.
  • Serve topped with the compote and almonds.

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 385 calories
Total fat: 8.8 g (3.5 g saturated, 2.1 g monounsaturated)
Carbohydrates: 72 g
Protein: 8 g
Fiber: 9 g
Sodium: 330 mg
Recipe adapted from The Cancer Fighting Kitchen.