10 Ways to Boost Your Energy Naturally After Breast Cancer

When you’ve gone through breast cancer treatment, one of the biggest challenges is finding the energy to get through your day. Fatigue, brain fog, and just feeling like your body isn’t working the way it used to are all common experiences.

But what if there was a simple, effective way to naturally boost your energy and feel more like yourself again, without popping more pills, or needing that 3pm nap everyday?

Good news: there is!

What you eat plays a huge role in how energized (or drained) you feel.

Healthy eating can provide the fuel your body needs to rebuild, recover, and thrive—especially after the intense process of breast cancer treatment.

Let’s explore 10 ways that nourishing your body with the right foods can help you reclaim your energy and get back to living life fully.

1. Steady Blood Sugar = Steady Energy

Have you ever had that afternoon energy crash, where you just want to nap but can’t? That crash is often due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. When we rely on sugary snacks, caffeine or processed foods, we get a quick energy spike, followed by a steep drop, leaving us feeling drained. 

By choosing foods that keep your blood sugar balanced—like whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats—you’ll maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Instead of reaching for a candy bar, try a snack like apple slices with almond butter or a handful of nuts. These options help keep your blood sugar (and your energy) stable.

2. Anti-inflammatory Foods Fight Fatigue

Inflammation can linger long after treatment, and it often contributes to feelings of fatigue (and many of the other side-effects you could be experiencing). By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, you’re actively helping your body heal and reducing the fatigue that comes with inflammation. (And possible helping to lower your risk of recurrence too!)

Leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and fatty fish like salmon are all excellent choices. These foods not only reduce inflammation but also provide the nutrients your body needs to recover and feel more energized.

In my program Resilient Routines I focus on anti-inflammatory foods and even share a list of what to eat more of and what to eat less of...because in my opinion, they're the most effective choices for our overall health and well-being.

3. Strengthened Immune System, Stronger Energy

Breast cancer treatments can take a toll on your immune system. A weakened immune system makes you more susceptible to infections and illness, which can further drain your energy. 

Eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and seeds—helps to strengthen your immune system, giving your body the support it needs to stay healthy and energized.

4. Hydration = Vital Energy

Did you know that even mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired and sluggish? While we often think of drinking water as the only way to stay hydrated, eating water-rich foods can also help maintain hydration. 

Cucumbers, watermelon, and celery are great examples of foods that contribute to your overall hydration, which is crucial for keeping your energy levels up. Pair these with plenty of water, and you’ll feel a noticeable difference in your energy.

5. Better Digestion for More Energy

When your digestive system is working well, your body can absorb nutrients more efficiently, giving you more energy. Fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, and vegetables support healthy digestion and reduce bloating, helping you feel lighter and more energized.

The better your digestion, the easier it is for your body to extract and use the nutrients from the food you’re eating, meaning more energy to fuel your day.

6. Better Sleep with the Right Foods

Restorative sleep is key to feeling energetic during the day, and what you eat can actually help you sleep better at night. Foods rich in magnesium (like leafy greens, seeds, and almonds) and melatonin (like cherries) can promote restful sleep.

By improving your sleep quality, you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the day with renewed energy.

7. Foods That Release Energy Slowly

Have you ever noticed that after a sugary snack, you feel great for about 30 minutes, then crash hard? That’s because processed carbs are quickly digested, leading to a short burst of energy followed by fatigue.

Whole grains, legumes, and other slow-digesting foods release energy gradually, keeping you fueled for longer periods. These foods provide a more sustainable energy source, avoiding the spikes and crashes associated with refined carbohydrates.

8. Muscle Recovery and Strength

After breast cancer treatment, your body might feel weaker, especially if you’ve been less active. Protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, and plant-based proteins (like tofu, if you're not watching your estrogen levels or beans) help repair and build muscle tissue, improving your strength and endurance over time.

By giving your muscles the nutrients they need to recover, you’ll notice an increase in stamina, making it easier to do the things you love without feeling worn out.

I'm often asked "Karin, do I have to become vegetarian to stay healthy?"...you'll often see this advice, and this is my perspective; Studies have shown that we could benefit from becoming vegetarian...BUT, if you enjoy a juicy burger, or piece of organic chicken...then this is NOT going to feel aligned to you, plain and simple. 

Therefore, I prefer to approach our nutrition from a more unique approach...one that actually works for you, in your life today. So, if you enjoy eating meat or fish, then we focus on the quality of those proteins as well as adding more veggies to your plate. This is what I teach in my program Resilient Routines.

9. Clearer Mind, More Energy

That foggy feeling that can linger after cancer treatment is often referred to as “chemo brain.” Omega-3 fatty acids—found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds—are known to support brain health, improving mental clarity and reducing brain fog.

FUN FACT: Look at the shape of a walnut...doesn't it mimic that of your brain? 

With a clearer mind, you’ll find yourself with more mental energy, making it easier to focus and get things done without feeling so drained.

10. A Balanced Mood Means More Energy

It’s no secret that when we’re feeling down or anxious, our energy levels take a hit. Certain nutrients, like healthy fats (found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts) and B vitamins (found in bananas, leafy greens, and whole grains), help stabilize your mood. 

When your mood is more balanced, you’ll find you have more emotional energy to tackle your day, leaving you feeling lighter and more motivated.

A Step Toward Feeling Like *You* Again

Rebuilding your energy after breast cancer can feel like a daunting task, but healthy eating makes it possible—and much easier than it may seem. By incorporating nourishing, energy-boosting foods into your daily nutrition, you’ll support your body in its healing process and experience more consistent energy to enjoy the things you love. 

Here are 2 ways you can take that small step right now:

1. I've put together a cheatsheet of these ➡️ 10 Ways to Boost Your Energy Naturally ⬅️, so that you can pop it on the fridge and refer back to it, anytime you're feeling a bit drained.

2. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to making healthier eating easier after breast cancer, I invite you to join my free masterclass, *From Difficult to Doable: 4 EASY Steps to Start Eating Healthier After Breast Cancer*. In this class, I’ll walk you through a simple, sustainable way to start fueling your body with energy-boosting foods, without the overwhelm of strict diets. 

You deserve to feel energized and vibrant again, and it can all start with one simple step. Ready to take that step? Sign up for the free masterclass today, and let’s get started on this journey together.