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Eating Well with a Low Appetite

During cancer treatment, it’s common for your appetite to come and go, sometimes for days or even weeks at a time. You might feel full quickly, find food unappealing, or experience discomfort when eating due to side effects like nausea, taste changes, or a sore mouth or throat.

Even small amounts of food and fluid can increase energy, help your body maintain strength, support your immune system, and promote healing. This guide offers practical, flexible strategies and some nutrition ideas to help you eat when your appetite is low.

Tips for Eating When You’re Not Hungry

• Choose high calorie, high-protein foods to make every bite count.
• Sip on high energy drinks like milk, smoothies, or oral nutrition supplements between meals.
• Eat when your appetite is best, even if that means having your biggest meal in the morning or late at night.
• Eat small amounts often. Every 1–2 hours if needed.
• Focus on the foods you enjoy. It's okay to eat the same foods more than once a day if that’s what appeals to you.

Practical strategies:

• Keep snacks handy (bag, car, desk or bedside).
• Take a short rest or walk before eating to stimulate appetite, or a short walk after to avoid feeling overly full
• If you are nauseous, try cold or frozen foods that have very little smell.
• Make meals social. Eating with others can be more enjoyable.
• Ask for help with grocery shopping, prepping small meals, or just having company while you eat.
• If chewing is hard, choose soft foods or nourishing drinks.
• Try pre-made options from the fresh, canned or frozen section of your grocery store to make meal preparation easier.

Managing Taste Changes

Taste changes are common during treatment. Small adjustments can help food taste better:

• Bland foods: Add flavour with sauces, herbs, or spices.
• Metallic taste: Use plastic/bamboo cutlery, glass/ceramic cookware, or chew sugar-free gum/mints.
• Bitter or sour taste: Avoid tart foods; add a little honey or sugar.
• Overly sweet taste: Balance with lemon, lime, or vinegar.

High-Calorie, High-Protein Meal Ideas

Choosing foods with more energy and protein in a smaller portion can help you meet your needs more easily. Try mixing and matching from the options below:

• Creamy soups made with milk or cream
• Casseroles with meat, chicken, or fish
• French toast, pancakes, or waffles with butter and syrup
• Sandwiches with tuna, egg, chicken, or deli meats (add mayo, avocado, or cheese for extra calories)
• Hot cereal (like oatmeal) with whole milk, butter, fruit, and honey
• Tamales with meat, beans, or cheese
• Pasta dishes with cheese, cream sauce, or meat sauce
• Ground nut soup or stews paired with swallows
• Baked beans on toast or potatoes
• Perogies with sour cream, cheese, or sautéed onions
• Pizza, burgers, grilled cheese, or lasagna
• Burritos with meat or beans and guacamole
• Stir-fry with meat or tofu in peanut or coconut milk based sauce with noodles or rice
• Congee with shredded meat or egg, topped with sesame oil
• Deli items such as meat pies, samosas, or sausage rolls

Snacks Ideas

Snacks can be just as nourishing as meals, especially when they’re protein rich and energy dense.

• Cheese with crackers or apple slices
• Trail mix, nuts, and seeds
• Muffins, scones, or toast with butter, peanut butter, or jam
• Pudding, custard, or sweetened tofu
• Protein or energy bars
• Yogurt, cottage cheese, or fruit with granola
• Ice cream, frozen yogurt, or milkshakes
• Cereal with whole milk or soy beverage
• Hard-boiled eggs or devilled eggs
• Dried fruit, fruit crisps, or mini pies

Drink Options

If chewing or eating solids feels hard, drinking your nutrition might feel easier and can be just as effective.

• Milkshakes or smoothies made with yogurt, milk, tofu, or nut butter
• Steamed milk (dairy or soy) with honey or cinnamon (coffee, chai or london fog latte!)
• Instant breakfast drinks or nutrition supplement beverages (like Ensure®, Boost®, or similar)
• Hot chocolate, malted milk, or eggnog

Tip — Sip these beverages slowly between meals to avoid filling up too quickly at mealtimes.

Your nutrition needs and preferences may change throughout your cancer journey. There is no “perfect” way to eat, and what works for you today might look different tomorrow.

Your Constant Health dietitian is here to help you find what feels doable, enjoyable, and nourishing one day at a time!

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