Breast cancer is a serious condition that affects many women worldwide each year. While there are highly effective treatments available to combat it, these treatments often come with side effects. One common side effect is the loss of appetite, but there are practical ways to help regain it during and after treatment.
During treatment, the body undergoes changes that can affect your sense of taste, food preferences, and even your sense of smell. This can disrupt your regular eating habits. Some patients may lose their appetite entirely, even for their favorite meals, while others might experience sudden increases in hunger, which can lead to weight gain after treatment.
For those experiencing appetite loss and concerned about weight loss or overall health, there are simple strategies to help regain appetite and ensure the body gets the nutrients it needs to stay strong.
### Ways to Manage Appetite Loss
#### Eat When You’re Hungry
Take full advantage of moments when you feel hungry by eating as much as you can. These windows of hunger can vary throughout the day, so it’s important to listen to your body and not miss the chance to eat.
#### Opt for Small, Frequent Meals
If you find it difficult to finish large meals, try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This approach helps you get the necessary nutrients without overwhelming your appetite.
#### Limit Fluids During Meals
Drinking too many fluids with meals can make you feel full faster, which reduces your calorie intake. Instead, have water or other drinks about half an hour before or after meals to ensure you can eat enough.
#### Avoid Strong Food Smells
Many women undergoing breast cancer treatment find that certain food smells can trigger nausea or a loss of appetite. Stick to foods with mild aromas and avoid anything that might make you feel unwell.
#### Include More Cold Foods
Cold foods often have less intense smells, making them easier to eat if strong scents are an issue. Foods like yogurt, cheese sandwiches, salads, and cold pasta are good options to include in your meals.
#### Experiment with New Foods
If your favorite foods no longer appeal to you, try experimenting with new ones. You might discover new options that are more enjoyable for your current taste preferences.
#### Try Shakes and Nutritional Drinks
Smoothies, shakes, or ready-to-mix nutritional drinks can help you meet your calorie and nutrient needs without requiring you to eat solid foods. They’re quick to prepare and easy to consume.
#### Keep Snacks Handy
Always have easy-to-eat snacks with you, whether at home, work, or on the go. This ensures that whenever you feel hungry, you have something nutritious within reach. Snacks like dried fruits, nuts, cheese, or muffins can help keep your energy levels up.
#### Bedtime Snacks
Keep some snacks near your bed so you can have something to eat before sleeping. Nighttime snacks add calories to your daily intake without interfering with your appetite for the next day’s meals.
#### Clean Your Palate Before Meals
Rinse your mouth out with saltwater, baking soda water, or ginger water before meals. This helps refresh your taste buds, making food taste better and encouraging you to eat more.
#### Be Proactive About Eating
Instead of waiting to feel hungry, stick to a meal schedule to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs. Even small portions eaten regularly can make a big difference.
#### Stay Hydrated
Fluids are essential, but focus on calorie-dense options if eating solid food is difficult. Fruit juices, milkshakes, and water can help you stay hydrated and energized.
#### Take Multivitamins
If appetite loss is severe and you can’t eat enough to meet your nutritional needs, consider taking multivitamins or other supplements after consulting your doctor.
#### Add More Protein
Protein is key for maintaining strength and aiding recovery. Include protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, chicken, beans, lentils, cheese, and nuts in your daily meals.
#### Eat High-Calorie Foods
To meet your energy needs, try calorie-dense meals. Add peanut butter to toast, mix cream into soups, or include avocado in salads. These simple changes make meals more nourishing without requiring you to eat large portions.
#### Exercise Regularly
Light exercise or physical activities approved by your doctor can help stimulate hunger. When your body burns energy, it naturally signals you to refuel with food.
Even though this can be a challenging time, following these tips can help you regain your appetite and stay healthy during your treatment journey. Take small steps, listen to your body, and consult with your healthcare team as you go.