Struggling with loss of appetite

For some cancer patients, loss of appetite happens for just a day or two; for others, it's an ongoing concern.

Whatever the duration, here are some suggestions that might help you deal with loss of appetite:

General hints - Cooking hints

General Hints:

  • Eat small, appetising, high-protein and high-calorie meals every 1-2 hours instead of 3 larger meals. Try frequent small meals (5-6) throughout the day, rather than fewer big ones. It may be easier to eat more that way, and you won't get so full.
  • Keep snacks within easy reach so you can have something whenever you feel like it. Cheese and crackers, muffins, ice cream, peanut butter and yogurts are practical and useful ways of taking extra calories and protein. Take a portable snack with you when you go out, such as peanut butter crackers or small boxes of raisins.
  • If possible, try and have a small bed-time snack. It won't affect your appetite for the next meal.
  • Take advantage of times when you do feel well, and have a larger meal then. Many people have a better appetite first thing in the morning, when they are well rested. If so, make the most of your breakfast meal, try a cooked breakfast.
  • Make mealtimes as relaxed and pleasant as possible. Presenting food or meals in an attractive way may also help. Accept help with shopping and preparing meals.
  • During meals, sip only small amounts. Drinking may make you feel full. If you want to have more than just a small amount to drink, have it 30-60 minutes before or after a meal.
  • Try softer, cool, or frozen foods, such as yogurt, milkshakes, or ice lollies.
  • Add extra calories and protein to food by adding butter, skimmed milk powder, honey, or brown sugar.
  • If you don't feel like eating solid foods, try to drink nourishing drinks during the day. Nutritional supplements (sip feeds) can supply you with important nutrients including protein, calories, vitamins and minerals during times when it is hard for you to eat food. Also try soups, juice, smoothies and milk-based drinks such as drinking chocolate or malted milk drinks.
  • Fats are a good source of calories but if you find fatty foods make you feel nauseous, it may be best if you try some less fatty foods such as chicken or fish until your appetite improves.
  • Sit upright to eat, relax after eating but do not lie down for at least one hour after eating. If you do need to lie down prop up the top part of your body.
  • If your doctor agrees it is acceptable, have a small glass of wine or beer during a meal. It may help to stimulate your appetite.
  • Regular exercise may help your appetite. Check with your doctor to see what options are open to you.

Cooking hints:

  • Eat foods with odours that are appealing. Good odours and smell contribute to the flavour of food, making them more appealing.
  • Prepare and store small portions of favourite foods so they are ready to eat when hungry. Eat in a room where the food hasn’t been cooked/warmed through.
  • Sometimes, changing the form of a food will make it more appetizing and help you eat better. For example, if eating whole, fresh fruit is a problem, try mixing fruit into a milkshake or yoghurt.
  • Try new foods. Be creative with desserts. Experiment with recipes, flavourings, spices, types, and consistencies of food. Food likes and dislikes may change from day to day.

Source: National Cancer Institute