Loss of appetite, or Anorexia, as it’s known in medical jargon (different from the eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa) is a common problem during cancer treatment. I can’t say I know firsthand what it feels like to undergo chemotherapy or radiation, but I have had the flu and mono on more than one occasion and couldn’t have cared less about food during that time.
I know it’s easier said than done, but there are some things you can try that may help bring back your appetite. If you are currently seeking the desire to eat again, or are losing weight because you aren’t eating enough, give these tips a shot
- Eat less, but eat more often. Even if you can only handle a few bites of food, eat what you can. One or two hours later, try again.
- Set an alarm. If fatigue is getting the best of you, you may fall asleep and forget to eat. Set an alarm to go off every 1-2 hours as a reminder to grab a snack or a few bites of food.
- Keep food nearby. If you are feeling tired enough to spend a good chunk of your day in bed or on the couch, keep snacks close by. Choose foods that can be kept at room temperature safely like granola bars, crackers with cheese or peanut butter, or fresh fruit.
- Take a walk. A short walk around your yard or neighborhood before meals may help, especially if you are spending your days on the couch or in bed. Take someone with you in case you get too tired and need to rest.
- Eat with friends or family. Believe it or not, many people eat more when surrounded by people they love.The companionship may help boost your mood, which can also boost your appetite!
- Ask friends or family to prepare a comfort meal. Sometimes a good plate of comfort food from your childhood simply makes you feel better. Was there something you ate as a child when you didn’t feel well? Was it mom’s baked chicken and mashed potatoes? Or maybe a homemade chicken soup?
- Find the cause of the loss of appetite. There are many reasons why your appetite disappears during cancer treatment. Taste changes, nausea, fatigue, depression are all common problems that affect your desire to eat and treating the cause often helps the situation.
- If all else fails, talk with your physician about medications that can help. Your oncologist may be able to prescribe a medication that will help boost your appetite. These don’t work for everyone, but it’s definitely worth discussing if nothing else is helping.
