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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Eating extra calories when you are sick - adultsAlternate NamesGetting more calories - adults Self-careIf you are sick or getting cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so that you do not lose too much weight. Eating well will help you handle your illness and side effects of treatment better. Change your eating habits to get more calories:
Ask others to prepare food for you. You may feel like eating, but you might not have enough energy to cook. Make eating more pleasant:
When you feel up to it, make some simple meals and freeze them to eat later. Ask your doctor or nurse about "Meals on Wheels" or other programs that bring food to your house. Ways to Add Calories to Your FoodSauté or fry your food (ask your doctor first about this). Add butter or margarine to foods when you are cooking, or put them on foods that are already cooked. Eat peanut butter sandwiches, or put peanut butter on some vegetables or fruits, such as carrots or apples. Mix whole milk or half-and-half with canned soups. Add protein supplements to yogurt, milkshakes, fruit smoothies, or pudding. Add honey to juices. Drink eggnog, milkshakes, or prepared liquid supplements between meals. Add cream sauce or melt cheese over vegetables. Ask your doctor about liquid nutrition drinks. ReferencesNational Cancer Institute. Overview of nutrition in cancer care (PDQ). 2008. Accessed October 13, 2008. Review Date: 10/30/2008
Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
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