As a result of cancer treatment, a patient’s appetite tends to fade. If a loved one is not eating, regardless of their reason for it, you want to take action right away. So, here are some tips to help you and your family deal with a loss of appetite.
 

Meals

 
One thing you can do to eat more during your Las Vegas hospice and cancer treatment is to prepare smaller meals and eat more often during the day. Don’t try to stick to a strict eating schedule if you tend to feel full after eating a small amount of food. Allow yourself to munch whenever you feel hungry.
 
If the problem is more with having the desire to eat, do schedule your meals. If you wait until you feel ready to eat, you’ll likely never eat.
 
Another way to address appetite loss with your means is to eat more when you’re hungry. Put as much solid food in your body as possible during those rare occasions and cut back on the amount of liquids you drink. Drink your liquids at least 30 minutes before you eat so that you have room for higher-calorie intake.
 
You can make your meals more appealing by choosing foods that are colorful. Also, stay away from any food that kills your appetite as soon as you smell it.
 

Snacks

 
Since your appetite can fluctuate so significantly, make sure you always have snacks on hand.You want to be ready whenever hunger strikes. Choose high-calorie snacks like cheese, peanut butter, crackers, muffins, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate milk. These snacks give you a good boost of nutrition with little to no preparation.
 
Also consider having a bedtime snack. Eating right before bed will keep your body fueled through the night and you won’t be interfering with a later meal.
 

General Food Tips

 
When foods are hot, they tend to smell stronger than when they are cold. So, try eating more foods that are cold or room temperature if smells bother you. High-calorie options include deli sandwiches or main-dish salads made with pasta, tuna or chicken.
 
Don’t be afraid to try new things. As people age, their taste buds change. That becomes even more true when you undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment. So, try some things you have have never liked before. You may now like something that you never liked before.
 
Protein shakes and drink mixes are another idea for people experiencing appetite loss. It is generally pretty easy for anyone to get liquid based drinks down.
 
It is also a good idea to supplement your diet with a multivitamin or two. You can make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need even if you are struggling to eat. Just remember to discuss this with your doctor in the hospice Las Vegas trusts before you add anything to your treatment.

Choose Las Vegas hospice services to make sure you receive an all-inclusive care that also helps you eat well. For more information about hospice Las Vegas services, contact ProCare Hospice of Nevada at 702.380.8300.