What Shall I Eat If I Have Lost My Appetite?


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There are many reasons why you may have a poor appetite, e.g. illness, stress, feeling full quickly and weakness. Your appetite may come and go, so it is important to make the most of it when you do feel like eating. Do not worry if it isn't normal foods at normal times, if you fancy Weetabix at imidnight, enjoy it!

You might find some of the following hints helpful:

Your body will need extra nourishment to maintain/increase your weight.

All foods will give you energy - some are more concentrated than others.

It is important to include as many nutritious foods as you can e.g.
Starch foods (breakfast cereals, potato, rice, pasta, bread)
Sugary (sugared drinks, sugar, cake, biscuits, sweets)
Fatty (cheese, margarine, chocolate, fried foods)
Dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
Protein (meat, fish, eggs, cheese, pulses)

Ensure that you have a well-stocked store cupboard containing easily prepared foods that you know you enjoy. The dietician can provide you with ideas.

If you have a freezer, try to prepare food in advance .. you feel like cooking ah~ store it for when you are feeling well.

Eat small, frequent meals, including snacks when you feel like it.

Do not worry if you do not feel like cooking, cold meals can be just as nutritious as hot ones. Perhaps a friend or relative could help out?

Try a small brandy, sherry, Guinness or your favourite drink before a meal to stimulate your appetite.

Eat slowly, chewing your food well and, if possible relax, for a while after your meals.

If you do find eating too tiring, keep up your energy intake using nourishing drinks. Ask the dietician for recipe ideas. Complete meal replacements such as Build-up or Complan can be bought from any chemist and/or supermarket. These can be used to replace a meal if you cannot find anything to eat. While they are nutritionally complete, it is not a good idea to rely on these products totally for more than a week or so without seeing a dietician.

The Dietician can advise you on how to fortify your foods

Some special products can be prescribed by your doctor. The dietician can arrange their supply with your GP and show you how to use them to supplement your diet.

If you wish to discuss your eating problems with the dietician, please ask your doctor or nurse for a referral.
There is always someone to contact at your hospital and your GP will receive information about your treatment. If in doubt ask!