Try to make mealtimes pleasant, as much as possible. Play music, watch a movie, or have friends over if he or she is up to it.If you are the caregiver, it can be frustrating and difficult at times to meet the nutritional needs of a person who may not feel like eating or whose likes and dislikes can change daily. Foods may not taste normal to someone going through cancer treatment, so don’t be offended if old favorites aren’t appealing. If the person’s tastes seem to have changed, encourage new foods.
Don’t worry if there are days when the person’s diet is not as balanced as you would like. Sometimes the foods your loved one asks for or tolerates best may not be things you would normally consider to be part of a “healthy” diet. Of course, it is important to eat as well as possible during treatment, but there may be times when the goal is to take in as many calories as possible, or times when simply eating is a victory. Remember that it is okay for nutritional goals to be different right now, and days when the person is feeling better will make up for more challenging days.
Try to be patient and encouraging when your loved one does not feel like eating, and look for opportunities to make eating easier. Keep the fridge, freezer, and pantry stocked with easy-to-prepare foods and things that can be eaten as is. Many people going through cancer treatment experience lack of appetite or other problems that can make eating daunting or difficult. A large plate of food can be overwhelming. It sometimes works better for patients dealing with side effects to snack or eat small meals throughout the day, instead of three large meals. See page 18 for ideas for easy snacks to keep on hand or include in a basket or cooler near the couch or a favorite chair. Keeping snacks nearby can make it easier for your loved one to nibble when they do feel like eating. Also, keep items that he or she normally eats and tolerates well when sick.
Here are some other tips that you may find helpful:
Try to make mealtimes pleasant, as much as possible. Play music, watch a movie, or have friends over if he or she is up to it.
Offer the biggest meal of the day when he or she feels the hungriest—for many people, this is in the morning.
Offer favorite foods any time of the day. It’s okay to have a sandwich or bowl of soup for breakfast or have breakfast food for dinner.
Package leftovers in single-serving containers for future meals; large servings can seem overwhelming when someone’s appetite is poor.
If your loved one is sensitive to smells, prepare meals in a different room from where they’ll be eaten. Suggest that he or she go to another room while food is being prepared. If possible, consider grilling outdoors or using a slow cooker on the back porch or in the garage to keep the smell of food from filling the house. Serving foods cool or at room temperature also decreases aromas.
Drinking is often easier than eating. If your loved one does not feel like eating but is willing to drink, offer sips of smoothies, soups, nutritional supplements, hot cocoa, milk, and milk shakes. Soups can be sipped out of mugs and reheated as needed. Cups with lids will also help block smells.
It is always important to follow food safety procedures, but it is especially important if you are preparing meals for someone undergoing cancer treatment, as it may reduce the person’s ability to fight off infections. The next section provides an overview of keeping food safe for everyone; familiarize yourself with these basics and be sure to put them into practice.
Most importantly, remember that you cannot do it all yourself. Caregiving can be demanding, and it is not realistic or healthy to try to tackle everything on your own. When friends or family offer to help, accept, even if it is difficult. Look for situations where you need assistance, and jot ideas down in a notepad or on your phone. There are many ways people can help: meals, grocery shopping, helping with yardwork or housecleaning, babysitting, or even just staying with your loved one so that you can take a break. Ask others what they can do to give you a hand, and be clear about what you need. People want to help but often struggle with knowing how best to provide the assistance you need. Remember how important it is that you also take care of yourself during this time! Eating well, being as active as possible, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can help you stay at your best so that you can offer the best care.