Nutrition Guide:
For People Living with Cancer
Loss of Appetite

I don't feel like eating much. What can I do?

Loss of appetite is one of the most common complaints expressed by people with cancer. People may lose their appetite because they feel sick from treatment or because they are upset or depressed about having cancer. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for this problem. Try each suggestion until you find those that work best for you.

• Eat more when you feel the hungriest.
• Get the satisfaction of finishing a meal by taking small portions. You can always go back for seconds.
• Eat a number of small meals and snacks during the day instead of 3 large meals.
• Have ready -to-eat snacks to nibble on such as cheese and crackers, hard boiled eggs, canned pudding, ice cream, yogurt, granola bars, muffins, nuts and seed mixtures.
• Eat the foods you enjoy the most.
• Eat in a pleasant atmosphere to raise your spirits. Eat with family or friends, or eat at a restaurant for a change.
• If you have lost weight since the cancer treatment started, read Cancer and Unintentional Weight Loss for more tips to include calorie-dense food.

Next: Feeling Tired