Diet

If you are too tired to cook or eat you could:

• try having six smaller meals per day rather than three larger ones.
• use snacks, ready made meals and puddings to reduce the burden of cooking.
• ask friends or family members to cook dishes in bulk and freeze portions so you can have them ready to defrost whenever you need to.
• ask your doctor or dietitian to recommend nutritious food supplements such as shakes

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy can cause nausea as a side-effect. Your doctor can give you anti-emetic medication which can help you manage this. If you are having trouble eating because of nausea, you can try to:

• eat smaller meals more often, rather than large meals further apart
• eat dry foods, like crackers, toast, dry cereals or bread sticks, when you wake up and every few hours during the day
• avoid foods or rooms with strong odours
• avoid hot or spicy foods
• avoid foods that are overly sweet, greasy or fried
• remain seated upright for at least an hour after eating
• sip clear liquids frequently between meals to prevent dehydration, but avoid drinking with meals
• eat bland, soft, easy-to-digest foods on treatment days such as egg custards and soup with crackers.
• avoid eating your favourite foods until you feel well enough to enjoy them

These are some common suggestions for how to ease or prevent constipation:

• eating foods which are high in fibre (e.g. wholegrain food, fresh fruit
  and vegetables)
• drink plenty of water
• try to do some gentle exercise

If you are experiencing constipation due to medicines, such as painkillers or anti-sickness drugs, your doctor may have to prescribe laxatives.

Treatments such as chemotherapy can sometimes affect your senses of taste and smell. People have often described a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. Below are some suggestions on how to make your eating experience more enjoyable:

• rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth frequently
• using plastic cutlery helps to deal with the metallic sensation
• eating fresh fruit and vegetables instead of tinned
• seasoning foods with flavours such as lemon, vinegar, and pickles. (Be cautious if you have a sore mouth)
• adding herbs and spices, such as garlic, chilli, basil, oregano, rosemary, tarragon, coriander or mint to your dishes
• some people find that serving foods cold or at room temperature helps them taste better

A side-effect of steroids is to increase appetite significantly, and maintaining a healthy weight might become more difficult.

• eating foods which are high in protein and fibre can keep you fuller for longer
• avoid foods which are high in saturated fats or trans-fatty acids as much as possible