Having chemotherapy causes all sorts of strains and difficulties. One almost universal side effect from chemotherapy is the difficulty many of us face in getting enough nutrition. Nutrition comes from eating food yet many of us just don’t feel hungry so eating is difficult. We lose our appetite, food tastes terrible and we battle nausea. However, there are a few different things you can do to better manage your eating while on Chemotherapy.
1- At the times it is difficult to eat, don’t push it. Instead, drink a liquid or a powdered meal replacement.
2- It is easier to eat 5 or 6 small meals each day instead of 3 large meals. At each of the meals you can eat smaller amounts so that you don’t need to force the issue and make yourself feel bad.
3- Always keep snacks nearby for when you feel like eating. When you go out of the house take easy to carry snacks like peanut butter crackers, nuts, power bars etc. with you.
4- Make an effort to try and add extra protein and calories to your diet when you are able to eat. Even if it is just a few calories.
5- At the times you don’t want to eat, drink liquids and do this throughout the day. Carry a water bottle and put a sugared flavor into the water to increase the calories. Better yet, you can also carry juice or even soup when you go out.
6- Don’t forget to have a at a bedtime snack. This will not dampen your appetite the next day.
7- Soft, cool, or frozen foods m