When someone you love is going through cancer treatment, it’s not uncommon for them to find strong smells repulsive or feel a full plate is far too much. Their favorite meals may even suddenly seem unappealing. Making gentle, easy-to-eat foods becomes essential.
There is no perfect menu for these times, but you can provide useful calories, protein, and nutrients in manageable portions. This article guides you on nutrient-dense snacks for your loved one, texture considerations, and portioning.
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Start With Soft and Gentle Textures
For a sick person, texture is as important as flavor. Someone receiving treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma, for instance, may have different food preferences and challenges from another person with a pleural mesothelioma. If mouth sores are a concern, you can skip anything crunchy, acidic, or spicy. Pay attention to what feels comfortable and appealing, even if it’s just for that day. For instance, if chewing is uncomfortable, try soft foods such as:
- Moist banana or pumpkin bread
- Soft oatmeal muffins
- Yogurt with mashed fruit
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Custards and puddings
- Smoothies and milkshakes with added protein powder
Portioning is Important
A reduced appetite can make large meals difficult. However, instead of serving three big meals, you may find it easier to offer smaller portions throughout the day. Nutrient-dense snacks are useful because they provide more nutrition in a smaller serving. Also, aim to make eating feel relaxed. A small snack with a funny television show or a good conversation can make the meal much more inviting.
5 Comforting Snack Ideas to Try
In preparing a snack or even a full meal for your loved one, it’s best to ask ahead what sounds good for the day. But you also need to present options. Here are some snack ideas that are packed with nutrients and are easy to eat and swallow as well:
Oatmeal with Nut Butter
A warm bowl of oatmeal can be comforting when appetite is low. Just stir in milk, nut butter, mashed banana, or soft cooked fruit to increase its nutritional value.
Creamy Yogurt and Fruit Bowl
Combine plain or flavored yogurt with soft berries, mashed banana, peaches, or applesauce. If tolerated, add finely ground nuts, seeds, or a little granola for extra energy and texture.
Homemade Smoothies
Blend yogurt or milk with banana, berries, mango, or another preferred fruit. Smoothies can be served in a small glass rather than a large cup to make the portion feel less overwhelming.
Mini Egg Muffins
Bake beaten eggs with finely chopped, well-cooked vegetables and a little cheese. Make them in small portions so they are easy to pick up and eat.
Fruit-filled Baked Treats
Soft muffins and baked oatmeal can incorporate fruits such as bananas, apples, berries, or pears. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of an overall balanced diet is supported by nutrition research examining cancer risk. However, these food items should be viewed as nutritious food, not as treatments or cures.
Endnote
When your loved one is sick, their appetite can change from one day to the next. So, you need to stay ready for these changes with options that suit their palate and health. Keep flavors mild when strong tastes or smells are unpleasant. Serve foods at a comfortable temperature and avoid making portions unnecessarily large. If appetite loss is persistent or severe, or if there are problems with swallowing, significant weight loss, or inadequate nutritional intake, you should speak with the person’s oncology team for individualized guidance or referral.