Cancer and its treatment can cause changes in your eating habits and a loss of appetite. Not eating can lead to weight loss and this can cause weakness and fatigue. Eating as well as you can is an important part of taking care of yourself.

What to do 

• Eat small meals or snacks every 1 to 2 hours. 

• Avoid liquids with meals or take only small sips of liquids to keep from feeling full early (unless you need liquids to help swallow or for dry mouth). Drink most of your liquids between meals. 

• Make eating more enjoyable by setting the table with pretty dishes and playing your favorite music, watching television, or visiting with friends. 

• Be as physically active as possible. Start off slowly and increase your activity over time as you feel stronger. 

• Keep high-calorie, high-protein snacks on hand. Try hard-cooked eggs, peanut butter, cheese, ice cream, granola bars, liquid nutritional supplements, puddings, nuts, canned tuna or chicken, or trail mix. 

• Review the tips on adding calories and protein to foods and include these in meals and snacks throughout the day. 

• Eat your favorite foods any time of the day; for example if you like breakfast foods, eat them for dinner. 

• Ask your doctor about medicines to help relieve constipation, nausea, pain, or any other side effects you have.

Revised: 02/08/2008