VCU Massey Cancer Center

Diet and nutrition

VCU Health and Massey registered dietitian Allie Farley will provide nutrition tips and information on the connection between diet and cancer. Please check this page regularly for Allie's latest blogs and recipes!

Meet Allie

Hi and welcome! My name is Allie Farley and I am the Massey Integrative Health team's outreach dietitian. In my role, I blog about nutrition topics and recipes, speak at workshops, meet with support groups and much more! I would like to share with you a little about myself.

I am originally from West Virginia and moved to Richmond, Virginia in the beginning of 2018. I received my undergraduate degree in human nutrition and foods from West Virginia University and completed an internship, as well as my master’s degree in dietetics at Marshall University. I have been practicing as a dietitian since 2010. I am a knowledge seeker and I love to learn, especially in the fields of nutrition and healthy living. I am excited to be working with a wonderful group of people who make such a difference for so many individuals and their families.

Invite Allie to speak at your community events, support groups and more. Send your event requests to alliene.farley@vcuhealth.org.

Is there a topic that you would like to see covered? Send your requests to alliene.farley@vcuhealth.org.  

Monday Meal Motivation

Sign up to receive weekly emails from Massey registered dietitian Allie Farley with recipes and meal planning tips.

The New American Plate webinar series

In this four-part webinar series, Allie discusses the New American Plate model, an innovative approach to eating. 

Click here to view Allie's recipes 

Diet and nutrition: more herbs, less salt It is important to monitor your sodium intake. A good way to do so is by replacing salt with herbs and spices for additional flavor.	Diet and nutrition: chocolate An ingredient in chocolate, cocoa, has been shown in research to have cancer-fighting effects.
Diet and nutrition: avocados Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, dietary fiber, potassium and vitamins. Add them to salads, sandwiches and more.	Diet and nutrition: picnics While not the most conventional idea, eating outside can help us slow down our fast-paced lives and cherish the outdoors.
Maintaining a healthy weight during cancer treatmeant Increasing your protein and calorie intake will help you maintain your muscle mass and weight during treatment, improving your chances for a speedy recovery.	Meal prepping during a pandemic Meal planning during a pandemic has added challenges but it does not have to be stressful or difficult.
Cooking with spices Research shows that phytochemicals might play a role in cancer prevention.	Cooking with super seeds Research indicates that seeds have numerous health benefits.
Immunity There is no shortage of claims that certain foods or supplements can boost our immune system.	Understanding a nutrition label Allie explains how to interpret the nutrition labels on packaged foods.
Food safety Allie provides easy advice for proper food handling and hygeine to prevent food-borne illness.	Shop smart for fruits and vegetables Allie provides quick tips on buying high quality produce, while saving money and ensuring that your nutiritonal needs are met.
The truth behind natural products  Natural products include vitamins, minerals and probiotics. Some individuals may identify them as dietary supplements, herbals, botanicals and alternative or complementary products.	Hydrating for Nutrition Allie provides simple tips to integrate into your lifestyle.
Eat the rainbow A balanced diet should include a variety of colorful plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals.	Should I avoid sugar in my diet? Does sugar feed cancer?

  

Massey does not endorse all integrative and complementary practices. We only recommend those that are known to be safe and have the potential to improve health when used alongside, and never in place of, professional medical care. All cancer patients are advised to consult with their physician before starting any integrative practice, as some may interfere with medical care.