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Loss of Appetite: Any tips for maintaining good nutrition?

Posted by bettersleep68 @bettersleep68, Oct 22 8:51am

I havev aml and no appetite..I find it hard to eat and food does not appeal to me.i have always been a foodie but now I have a hard time looking at food.any suggestions to help me with this? I know it is important to have good nutrition.

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Oct 22 9:57am

Hi @bettersleep68
Loss of appetite is pretty common while undergoing treatment for cancer of any type. I went through it myself and lost a considerable amount of weight. Nausea, loss of the sense of taste and smell, and the medications themselves can cause changes that interfere with eating or even the desire to eat.

From Cancer.org:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/poor-appetite.html
At this point just eat whenever and whatever you want (but avoiding fried/greasy or hot/spicy foods). Calories, protein and calcium are super important right now. What was most helpful for me was a change in mind-set of not having to sit for regular meals. No way could I sit down at the table to a full plate of food. That immediately made me ill.
Grazing on small snacks throughout the day worked best for me. My husband came up with this plan where he had a bunch of different containers in the fridge for me. Some held broiled chicken pieces, hard boiled eggs, small cut pieces of a PBJ sandwiches, cottage cheese, cheese sticks, small pieces of beef roast, chicken salad, puddings, yogurt, Rice Krispie bars, cereal, chunks of banana, apple, brownie bites…you get the idea.
Also, Ice cream was a key ingredient for me with smoothies. These were highly approved by my Mayo Dietician. She and my BMT wanted me to just get calories in, and not to worry about the source at that time.
Also, there are products on the market that add protein and fiber such as Ensure.

Most cancer clinics have dietitians who are more than happy to help you find the best nutritional options for you. Have you spoken to your oncologist nurse practitioner about meeting with a dietitian?

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bettersleep68 | @bettersleep68 | Oct 22 11:10am
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @bettersleep68 Loss of appetite is pretty common while undergoing treatment for cancer of any type...." + (show)
Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

Hi @bettersleep68
Loss of appetite is pretty common while undergoing treatment for cancer of any type. I went through it myself and lost a considerable amount of weight. Nausea, loss of the sense of taste and smell, and the medications themselves can cause changes that interfere with eating or even the desire to eat.

From Cancer.org:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/poor-appetite.html
At this point just eat whenever and whatever you want (but avoiding fried/greasy or hot/spicy foods). Calories, protein and calcium are super important right now. What was most helpful for me was a change in mind-set of not having to sit for regular meals. No way could I sit down at the table to a full plate of food. That immediately made me ill.
Grazing on small snacks throughout the day worked best for me. My husband came up with this plan where he had a bunch of different containers in the fridge for me. Some held broiled chicken pieces, hard boiled eggs, small cut pieces of a PBJ sandwiches, cottage cheese, cheese sticks, small pieces of beef roast, chicken salad, puddings, yogurt, Rice Krispie bars, cereal, chunks of banana, apple, brownie bites…you get the idea.
Also, Ice cream was a key ingredient for me with smoothies. These were highly approved by my Mayo Dietician. She and my BMT wanted me to just get calories in, and not to worry about the source at that time.
Also, there are products on the market that add protein and fiber such as Ensure.

Most cancer clinics have dietitians who are more than happy to help you find the best nutritional options for you. Have you spoken to your oncologist nurse practitioner about meeting with a dietitian?

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@loribmt your husband did a good job...i need to tell mine so he can do it..again thank you for your quick answer...always a joy to hear from you and your replies have alot of excellent information..have a great weekend

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