For many of us, food is a way to share love and care. But when you are caring for someone with a serious illness, mealtimes can become difficult. You might see a loss of appetite, changes in taste and smell, or trouble with swallowing.
In palliative care, the goal of nutrition isn’t just about maximising calories. Instead, the focus is on comfort and quality of life—making mealtimes a source of joy again, easing symptoms, and bringing a sense of pleasure back to food.
Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Discovering Their Food Preferences Amidst Appetite and Taste Changes
A person’s favorite meal can lose its appeal as their body and sense of taste change. They may have loved Hokkien Mee, but now it no longer sounds good. The best way to know what works is to tune in to their preferences by paying close attention to their reactions to different foods and be open to their feedback.
You may explore adding flavor with herbs and spices or try different ingredients to enhance flavour and aroma. You can also try cold foods, such as popsicles, milkshakes, and yogurt, as they are often easier to tolerate, especially with nausea or a dry mouth.
It is natural to feel concerned when your loved one isn’t eating much, but it is important to let them decide how much they want to eat. Avoid force-feeding, as it can cause unnecessary stress and turn mealtimes into a struggle for both of you.
Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals to Boost Nutrient Intake
Large, full portions of food can feel overwhelming. A more manageable approach is to offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This makes mealtimes less intimidating and can help your loved one get the nutrition they need without feeling pressured.
Make every bite count — with a reduced appetite, it is important to make the most of every meal. Focus on including foods that are high in protein and calories by looking for simple ways to enhance the food you are serving.
- Drizzle sesame or olive oil to increase calorie content
- Add fish, chicken, tofu, or eggs
- Topping meals with nuts and seeds for extra protein
Try offering nourishing fluids between main meals, such as full-cream milk, smoothies, or soy milk. For an extra boost, Oral Nutrition Supplements can be helpful, but they should always be used under the guidance of a dietitian.
Modify Food Texture When Needed
When your loved one has trouble swallowing, the first step is to get a swallowing assessment from a speech therapist. A dietitian can then help recommend food texture modifications according to the speech therapist’s recommendations.
Following these recommendations on food texture is important. It helps prevent food or liquid from accidentally entering the airway—a condition known as aspiration—which can lead to serious complications like pneumonia.
Some of the texture modifications may include:
- Pureed diet
- Minced and moist diet
- Soft and bite-sized diet
Making meals soft and easy to eat is essential for people with swallowing difficulties. Focus on moist-heat cooking methods like boiling, steaming, braising, stewing, or poaching to make food soft and easy to chew. You can also make meals easier to swallow by adding gravy or soup to help keep the food moist. Remember that every individuals’ needs are different, a dietitian can provide support by giving recommendations in the meal preparation process.
Create a Pleasant Mealtime Environment
When possible, encourage your loved one to eat outside of bed. Simply moving to the dining table or another comfortable spot can provide a welcome change of scenery and help mealtimes feel more normal. Sharing the meal with family or friends can also make the experience more enjoyable, turning a challenging moment into a chance for connection and a potential boost to their appetite.
Navigating meals as a cancer fighter can be challenging. Our team of dietitians is ready to offer the support you need. Contact us to schedule a consultation!
