Managing Nutrition.
A healthy balanced diet can help to keep us feeling well by providing us with the energy and nutrients our body needs. Sometimes when we are unwell or have a poor appetite it can be difficult to meet our body’s needs and this can lead to weight loss.
The NHS Nutrition and Dietetic services have produced a huge amount of information and advice for you, entitled ‘Food First’.
Food First advice is useful when you can only manage small amounts of food and drink. By fortifying your meals, snacks and drinks with everyday foods, it helps you to increase the energy and nutrients in your diet without increasing the amount of food you have to eat. (The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust)
Some simple changes can be by adding whole milk powder to your hot drinks, porridge and cereal, custards, and creams. Just one tablespoon will add 40 calories, 2.1g of protein and 3.1g of carbohydrate. 40 calories may not sound a lot, but it would take 11 minutes of walking to burn them off.
How about trying a homemade milkshake.
Ingredients are;
* Milkshake powder or syrup (2-4tbsp)
* Whole Milk (200mls)
* Milk Powder (1tbsp)
*Double Cream (2tbsp)
Method;
- Combine all the ingredients together with a whisk or in a blender.
- If you can add a scoop of Ice cream or fresh fruit to add extra calories.
This milk shake has approx. 450 calories, 14g Protein in one serving, in contrast a McDonalds Hamburger and Fries has 485 calories.
For those who are really struggling and only managing very small volumes, why not try a ‘Cream Shot’, ideally once or twice a day.
Ingredients are;
*Double Cream (40mls)
*Flavouring such as Chocolate, Strawberry or Caramel syrup for pouring on desserts and ice cream.
Method;
Mix the ingredients together until just combined, not too much or the cream will become too thick to drink.
In just 40mls you will gain 250 calories and 1g of protein. This is like having two fruit scones and butter.
Maybe something with a bit more fruit may interest you, like a ‘Fruit Fool’.
Ingredients are; (serves 3)
*Pureed Fruit (300ml)
*Thick Custard (150)
*Milk Powder (2tbsp)
*Evaporated Milk (150)
*Honey (1tbsp)
Method;
- Whip the evaporated milk until thick
- Add milk powder and honey to the custard
- Mix the custard with the fruit puree and then mix in evaporated milk
- Chill before serving.
This fruity pudding will give you 250 calories and 9g protein in each serving. Feel free to use any fruits you like, in your favourite combinations.
During this time it is about eating the things you like and enjoy, at a time that is right for you. It is important to maintain a good fluid intake, so try and aim to drink 6-8 cups/glasses of fluid each day and make these as nourishing as possible.
Changes to your appetite and diet intake, can not only effect your weight but also your sleeping pattern, energy levels, your mood and levels of mobility and strength. This can not only be distressing and frustrating for you but also those around you. Maybe take some time to talk to those around you about the difficulties you are experiencing, research, ask questions and work together on a plan of action. Appetite changes and weight loss are the most common side effect to illness and treatments, I have seen when working with my clients and making some small changes can really make a big difference.
Take some time to look over the attached information from The Royal United Hospital Bath, Wye Valley NHS Trust and SEQOL.
For additional information from Wye Valley NHS Trust, click here,
from The Royal United Hospital Bath, click here and from SEQOL, click here.
If you have any concerns or questions about your diet and changes you wish to make, talk them over with your oncology team or GP. Printed copies of the attached information is available from your oncology team and Seamore Unit. So ask on your next visit.
I hope you have found this information helpful.
Best Wishes
Mandy B
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