It is extremely important to maintain a healthy weight when undergoing cancer treatment. Whether you are starting cancer treatment when you are very thin or experiencing weight loss as a result of treatment, you need to get your weight back to a healthy level; being underweight can reduce the effectiveness of treatments. Unfortunately, cancer treatments often make it difficult to eat regularly, but there are ways to achieve a normal weight.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Optimizing Meals
Step 1. Have small regular meals
One of the main side effects of cancer treatment is poor appetite. It is often the case that you are no longer hungry before you even finish your meal, but you can avoid this phenomenon by preparing smaller portions and eating throughout the day.
- Eat on average every two hours; eat small meals and snacks. Ask your doctor to tell you the reasonable amount of calories to take and try to spread them throughout the day. If you feel nauseous from the treatment, don't wait until you feel hungry, as you may experience hunger cramps.
- Make sure to prepare meals and snacks on time or find someone to prepare them for you; it can be difficult to start cooking when you are not feeling well.
Step 2. Increase your calorie intake whenever possible
If you can, add more calories to each dish; there are many ways to do this:
- Use whole milk and cream instead of skim or non-fat variants;
- Use milk instead of water to cook canned soups and rehydrate packaged sauces;
- Add grated cheese to pasta, mashed potatoes, eggs and other dishes;
- Stuff the sandwiches more;
- Buy whole dairy products;
- Prepare vegetables with calorie dressings.
Step 3. Choose nutrient-rich foods
When trying to gain weight during this illness, you need to proceed in a healthy way. Therefore, opt for foods with a high level of nutrients; although they are not very caloric, you can combine them with other energy dense ones, to try to gain weight and get the necessary calories. Among those with a high nutritional value consider:
- Fruits and vegetables;
- Whole grains and wheats;
- Lean fish and poultry, meat substitutes, beans, eggs and nuts.
Step 4. Eat your favorite dishes more frequently
If you find it difficult to maintain a good appetite, try to find the pleasure of food by choosing the foods that you are particularly greedy; being able to eat them more often can make you want to sit at the table even if you are not very hungry. Make sure to cook your favorite dishes and consume them regularly.
Part 2 of 3: Making High Calorie Drinks
Step 1. Add protein powders to drinks
They increase your overall calorie intake while also boosting your protein intake, which can help you gain weight healthily during illness.
- Opt for those with various nutrients (Scandishake or others), those specifically protein (Protifar), as well as those with energy.
- Theoretically, you can add a teaspoon of protein powder to any beverage, from milk to juice to sodas. Most of these products have no flavor and therefore do not alter that of the drink you choose; however, you may notice a slight difference in texture.
Step 2. Make the smoothies yourself
You can make nutritious, calorie-rich ones by mixing milk or yogurt with fruit or vegetables in a blender. Try different dosages and ingredients until you find the combination that meets your taste; alternatively, you can buy several ready-made in many supermarkets.
Step 3. Have caloric drinks with meals
When you eat, try to consume liquids that contain calories instead of just water; however, choose substances that are rich in nutrients. Typical sugary drinks can be harmful to cancer patients; Instead, opt for whole milk, unsweetened juices, or other low-sugar sports drinks, such as Gatorade.
Step 4. Take liquid food supplements when you don't have much appetite
If you don't want to have a meal, you can consider this alternative solution. While it is always best to opt for solid foods, if not possible, supplements are a good choice.
- There are meal replacement shakes on the market that are specifically designed for cancer patients. Your doctor can prescribe them for you and you can take them on days when you feel particularly weak to be able to eat.
- You can also buy them without a prescription; however, always ask your doctor which type you can take based on your clinical situation.
- These smoothies come in different flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Many people don't like their taste, but you can always try adding a natural sweetener, such as honey.
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Advice
Step 1. Ask your doctor how you can reduce nausea
This discomfort can be responsible for the lack of appetite that leads to weight loss, being able to manage it can therefore be of considerable help; talk to the doctor to find the best way to overcome it.
- He can prescribe different anti-emetic drugs, probably choosing the most suitable ones based on your medical history and the type of treatment you are following.
- Your doctor may also recommend various lifestyle changes; for example, drinking more fluids, avoiding unpleasant tastes, using relaxation techniques, and feeling comfortable are all aspects that can help reduce nausea.
Step 2. Get personalized advice from a dietician
Ask the oncologist to refer you to a nutrition specialist whose job is to offer personalized advice on eating habits to gain weight. A session with this professional can help you find a healthy way to combat weight loss during cancer therapy.
Step 3. Join a support group
It is present in many hospitals, churches and local communities; if you don't find any in your area, you can also search for some online. A support group allows you to talk to other patients with your own disease about their difficulty gaining weight and you can ask what solutions they have found to regain the lost weight.
