Try frequent small meals and snacks, especially if you feel full after eating only a small amount. Often it is helpful to eat according to a schedule rather than to rely on appetite.
- Take advantage of the times when you feel the best. Eat a hearty meal when you are hungry. Many people have their best appetite in the morning, when they are rested.
- Limit fluids during meals. Liquids can create a feeling of fullness. It may help to drink liquids 30 to 60 minutes before or after meals.
- Create a pleasant mealtime atmosphere.
- Vary the color and texture of foods to make the meal more appealing.
- For adults, wine or beer before meals (if allowed by your physician) may stimulate the appetite.
- Keep snacks readily available. Cheese, ice cream, canned fruit, nuts, and milk are examples of high–protein and high–calorie snacks requiring little or no preparation.
- Bedtime may be a good time to snack because your appetite for the next meal will not be affected.
- Cold or room–temperature foods may be more appealing. Cold sandwiches or main dish salads are good choices.
- Experiment with foods. Once–favorite foods may no longer appeal to you while foods you’re not fond of may become more appealing.
- Regular exercise may stimulate your appetite. Check with your physician for your exercise limits.
During illness, treatment and recovery, your need for calories may be greater than usual. Maintaining your weight can be a sign that you are eating enough. The following suggestions can help increase your calorie intake:
- Use butter generously on potatoes, bread, toast, hot cereal, rice, noodles, vegetables and in soups.
- Spread butter (also high in protein) on toast, bread, apple or banana slices.
- Add powdered creamer or dry milk powder to hot cocoa, milkshakes, hot cereal, gravy, sauces, meatloaf, cream soups or puddings.
- Meat, chicken and fish contain more calories when breaded or fried than when baked, broiled or roasted.
- Brown sugar, honey, dried fruit or cream can add extra calories to hot cereal.
- Serve cake, pudding topped with ice cream.
- Use fruit canned in heavy syrup. It has more calories than fresh or juice–packed fruit. If you prefer fresh fruit, add sugar and cream.
- Drink beverages that contain calories. Good choices include fruit juice, lemonade, fruit–flavored drinks, cocoa, milkshakes. (Water, black coffee and tea have no calories).
Protein is important for growth, health and repair of your body. If you have been ill, you may need extra protein. If illness has made red meat (beef, pork or lamb) less appealing to you, try the following foods that are also excellent sources of protein:
Commercially prepared nutritional formulas
There are a variety of nutritional supplements available. Some provide extra calories and protein, but some provide only vitamins and minerals. Check with your physician or registered dietitian to help you select the right supplement to meet your needs. If these measures do not help, or if you are losing weight, ask your physician or registered dietitian for further advice.