Cancer patients often experience reduced appetite as a side effect of treatment or due to emotions, such as sadness, helplessness or fear. Since maintaining proper weight and nutrient intake can support your recovery from cancer, remedying dampened appetite is key. Discuss any changes in your appetite or eating habits with your doctor.
Step 1
Create a pleasant eating atmosphere. Surround yourself with colors, sounds and aromas you enjoy and do your best to eliminate distraction, such as television or radio noise, during meals. Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggests playing soft background music, creating welcoming place-settings or lighting candles to enhance the ambiance at mealtimes as a means of whetting your appetite. Get creative and don't be afraid to change things up if you feel the need.
Step 2
Discuss your feelings with others. The National Cancer Institute recommends sharing your feelings with loved ones, working with a therapist or joining a cancer support group as a means of coping with your feelings. Doing so may help alleviate lost appetite caused by difficult emotions. For some people, expressing themselves creatively, through painting, drawing, writing or music, may also prove helpful. Select methods of self-expression that suit your skills and interests for best results.
Step 3
Eat at scheduled times. If your hunger has dissipated entirely, eating at scheduled, appropriate time intervals can help train your body to feel hungry at appropriate times and reduce your risk of malnutrition and under-eating. For best results, aim for a meal or snack every 3 to 5 hours.
Step 4
Prepare foods you enjoy. If your appetite calls for pancakes or cereal at dinner time, go for it. Creating foods you associate with fond memories, such as foods your parents prepared for you as a child, or those you associate with your favorite holiday may also help. Aromatic foods, such as cinnamon-spiced apples, fresh-baked cookies or well-seasoned marinara sauce may also whet your appetite. Keep your favorite foods and ingredients in stock to ease the process of food preparation. When you feel tired or not well enough to eat or prepare your favorite foods, seek help from a loved ones, or a nurse or home health aid.
Tips and Warnings
- If you feel you can only eat small amounts of prepared food, eat smaller meals more frequently, rather than aiming for 2 or 3 large meals.
- Proper nutrition is vital during cancer treatment and recovery. If you can't seem to eat properly, consult your doctor promptly.
Things You'll Need
- Music
- Place mats
- Table decor
- Candles
- Flowers
- Tasty foods
- Art supplies
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