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Nutritional Care
Lost your appetite?
You’re not the only one.
Patients with lung cancer can often experience a loss of appetite as well as
difficulty with chewing and swallowing. However, it is really important to try
to eat as varied and nourishing a diet as you can. Our practical tips may help
mealtimes become a little more manageable - and enjoyable.
Little and often The key is trying to get a balanced
and nutritious diet, including fruit
A traditional main meal can feel quite daunting to eat
as well as taking a lot of energy to prepare so opt for and vegetables, so that you’re
smaller and more frequent meals and snacks – 3 small getting all the vitamins and
meals and 3 snacks is a good benchmark. If you can, try to minerals you need.
eat or drink something every few hours. Avoid drinking
just before a meal though so you don’t spoil your appetite. If you are struggling to do this, please talk to your
dietitian or other healthcare professional for advice.
Stock the cupboards They may prescribe nutritional supplements that can
help improve your overall intake.
When food shopping, stock up on easy-to-prepare items
such as tinned foods, ready meals and frozen vegetables. Nutritional supplements can be added to:
If the thought of going to the supermarket is too
overwhelming, you can order groceries online and have Milkshakes Soups Juices
them delivered directly.
Yogurts Puddings
Fortify your food
Nutritional supplements can be consumed on their
Add foods which are high in calories to your meals. For own or mixed into food and drinks, served chilled or
example, add butter to cooked vegetables, cream or warmed up – just don’t boil them as this can alter the
cheese to mashed potatoes and sugar, jam or honey to taste and damage the vitamins.
cereals, yogurts and puddings.
Oral nutritional supplements can be used at any time
Treat yourself but should be taken in small amounts.
Indulge in your favourite foods from takeaways to cake Remember though, if you have any concerns your
or even a childhood favourite like jelly and ice cream. healthcare professional is there to help. They’ll also be
able to provide information about local organisations
Drink up that can support you.
If you’re having trouble chewing and swallowing, drinks,
such as milkshakes and smoothies, are a great way to get
fruit and vegetables into your diet.
Plan ahead where possible
If you’re feeling well enough, try to prepare nourishing
meals like fish pie, macaroni cheese and lasagne, all of
which can then be frozen.
Get some fresh air
Fresh air can help stimulate the appetite so try to go
outside whenever possible or, if you are not very mobile,
sit by an open window prior to mealtimes.
20 Inspire 2016