Loss of appetite during cancer treatment is very common and can be related to the physical effects of certain cancers, or the side-effects of your treatment.

When your appetite is low you may need to make different food choices to usual. When you’re eating less, it’s important to make sure what you do eat is as high in nutrients, calories (energy), and protein as possible. This can help to avoid weight loss and help you feel as well as you can. Suggestions are provided below to help you do this.

[Foods which often contain higher quantities of saturated fat and/or added sugar are shown in italics.]

Try to focus on eating:

Small meals, with planned snacks or nourishing drinks in between.

High energy foods

• Nuts/nut butters and seeds/seed butters
• Avocados
• Full fat dairy products e.g. milk, cheese, yoghurt
• Plant based oils e.g. olive oil, coconut oil
• Butter/spread/ghee
• Cream, crème fraîche, ice cream, coconut milk.

High protein foods

• Meat, poultry and fish
• Vegetarian protein sources such as Quorn™ or soya based products including soya milk and tofu
• Beans and pulses
• Nuts/nut butters
• Dairy products e.g. milk, yoghurt, cheese
• Eggs.

Nourishing drinks

• Whole milk (blue top) or Jersey milk (gold top)
• Milkshakes (can be homemade from fruit
  blended with whole milk and/or yoghurt)
• Soya drinks
• Fruit juices/smoothies
• Add milk powder, ground almonds, pea protein
  powder, cream or coconut milk to other drinks
• Cocoa/hot chocolate/malted drinks.

Weight loss

If you’re unable to maintain your weight during cancer treatment you may benefit from further support from your healthcare team. They may prescribe high calorie/protein nutritional supplement drinks or products to help you meet your nutritional needs.

There are many varieties available on prescription, and some can be purchased from supermarkets or pharmacies e.g. Complan™/Meritene™ or non-branded equivalents. Speak to your healthcare team if you feel that you’re relying on these heavily.