Some days you just may not feel like eating. It can be caused by
many different things -- pain, illness, tiredness and worry. It is
important to eat well even on days like this. You'll find it helps
your mood as well as your body.
- Eat very small meals many times during the day.Here
is a sample menu:
- Breakfast: 3 crackers with peanut butter, 1/2 cup apple
juice
- Snack: 1 carton yogurt
- Lunch: 1/2 ham and cheese sandwich, 1 cup cocoa
- Snack: 2 oatmeal cookies, 1/2 glass milk
- Supper: cottage cheese, canned peaches
- Snack: 1 bowl of cereal, milk
- Eat something every hour or two whether you feel like it or
not.
- At this time, only eat food that you really love
.Spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, and tacos are favorites for many
people.
- If you can find one thing you enjoy eating, just eat it all
day
. Bowl after bowl of ice cream, or one grilled cheese
sandwich after another would be fine!
- If you can't eat solid food, you may be able to drink
things
. Try milkshakes. Try ice cream floats -- mix ice
cream with your favorite juice or soft drink in a tall glass. You
might also try chocolate milk, egg nog or hot cocoa. Creamy soups
might go down easily, too.
- Keep snacks right beside you in your home.
You might be
able to nibble enough to finish quite a bit of food.
The way you feel can make a difference in your appetite. If you
are sad, lonely, or worried you might not feel like eating as much
as when you are feeling more satisfied with life. Here are some
ideas to help make mealtimes more cheerful.
- Share mealtimes with people you enjoy. Invite them to your home
or go to theirs.
- Pack up some food for a picnic in the outdoors. Try the park,
beach, or even your back yard. Bring a piece of bread to feed birds
or squirrels. The sunshine, fresh air and company of animals will
help you feel better.
- Change where you eat daily. Always eating in the kitchen or in
the bedroom makes meals less interesting. Try eating in the bathtub
or on your porch or patio
- Go for a short walk before eating. Exercise is good for you
anyway. A walk in the fresh air can give you quite an appetite
- Have a glass of wine before dinner. It will help your relax and
gives a good appetite.
- Listen to favorite music during dinner.
- Read a funny story or interesting book during your meals.
- Try not to just stand in the kitchen and eat out of the pot.
Take the time to put your food on a plate and sit down at a table
to eat.
- Make your meals attractive. Spruce up your plate with a sprig
of celery, a slice of lemon or other simple garnish. Buy colored
paper napkins.
- Put some fresh flowers on the table. Pick them yourself or buy
some daisies.
- Have some lighted candles on the table. It will make even a
bowl of chili seem fancy!
Last reviewed January 2000 by ]]>EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff]]>
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
Copyright ©
2007
EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.