Cancer treatments may cause acute and chronic symptoms, which vary significantly from patient to patient. Proper nutrition intervention is based on individualized symptom support and management. In this article, we will propose a few strategies for patients experiencing:
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Adjusting Frequency of Eating
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Schedule smaller, frequent snacks or meals throughout a day.
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Choose snacks or meals that are high in calorie and protein content.
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Prepare and store small portions of favorite foods.
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Consider portioning out a Blend to Mend smoothie across a full day.
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Eat larger meals when you feel well and are rested.
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Eat your largest meal when you feel hungriest -- breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Minimize liquid intake during a full meal.
Adding Protein Sources
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Consider consuming high-protein foods first on days with good appetite.
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Beans, chicken, fish, meat, yogurt, and eggs are great options.
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Consider adding yogurt into a Blend to Mend smoothie when blending!
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Add extra protein and calories to snacks.
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Consider adding protein-fortified milk to a Blend to Mend smoothie instead of standard 4-8oz of water when blending.
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Drink milkshakes, smoothies, juices, or soups if you do not feel like eating solid foods. Continuous caloric intake is important.
Introduce Variety
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Seek foods that appeal to the sense of smell, such as our Peppermint Peach, Blue Banana, and Papaya Turmeric flavors.
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Experiment with different foods — milkshakes, smoothies, juices, soup, and pressed juicery.
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Consider asking your health practitioner about blenderized drinks with a high nutrient density.
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Email us at hello@blendtomendnutrition.com to chat with our in-house dietitian!
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