Improving Nutrition

Cancer and treatment can temporarily change how food tastes or rob you of your appetites. For information on specific diet changes you can make to help with fatigue and anemia, read the diet and supplements pages. Click on each topic to find tips on improving your appetite and some general food guidelines.

Improving your Appetite

• Make mealtimes as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Candlelight and music help.
• Eat small portions throughout the day to avoid nausea and maintain energy.
• If your doctor approves, a glass of wine or beer before meals can stimulate your appetite and help you relax. However, too much alcohol can make fatigue worse.
• If a lack of appetite is a continuing problem for you, talk to your doctor. Medications are available.

Guidelines for Healthy Eating

• Ask for a referral to a dietician to help you.
• To make meals easier make a double batch and freeze for later.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of liquid a day, including water, milk, juice and soup.
• Try to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. They can rob you of fluids. Most coffee, tea, colas and chocolate contain caffeine.
• Increase the amount of protein in your diet by eating chicken, fish, meat, dairy products, peanut butter and eggs.
• Grains, pasta, fruit and vegetables are good sources of complex carbohydrates and they provide energy for a long period of time.
• If anyone offers to cook, take them up on it!

Small amounts of exercise can help with your appetite and improve your mood as well.