Side Effect

Tips

Appetite Loss

• Eat 5-6 mini meals vs. 3 large meals

• Eat protein and calorie booster foods

• Choose fluids that add calories: milk, juice, smoothies, shakes, nutrition supplements

• Consume liquids between meals rather than with meals

Cold Sensitivity

• Do not eat cold or frozen foods or drink cold beverages

• Let cold drinks warm to room temperature before consuming

• Choose nutrition supplement drinks instead of milkshakes and warm custard or flan instead of ice cream

• Use gloves to handle cold or frozen foods

Constipation

• Drink at least 8 cups of water per day (64 oz)

• Eat more fiber from whole food sources: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts

• Consume a hot beverage daily such as coffee or tea

• Engage in physical activity such as walking

Diarrhea

• Eat 5-6 mini meals vs. 3 large meals

• Eat low fiber foods but include sources of soluble fiber such as rice, bananas, oatmeal, mashed potatoes

• Eat fewer high-fat, greasy foods

• Drink an additional 8 oz of water for each episode of diarrhea

Dry Mouth

• Drink 8-10 cups of fluid per day and sip from water bottle regularly

• Eat soft, bland foods that are cold or at room temperature

• Moisten foods in broth, soups, sauces, gravies, oils, or butter

• To increase saliva, try tart foods and drinks such as lemonade or cranberry juice

Fatigue

• Ask family and friends to help with grocery shopping and meal preparation

• Keep ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare foods on hand to make meals easier

• Prepare large amounts of food when you feel your best and freeze individual portions for later

• Try more convenient, high-calorie supplement drinks that can make up for lost calories at meals

Mouth Sores

• Eat soft, moist foods that are not acidic – avoid citrus, vinegar, tomato products, and spices

• Eat foods or drink fluids that are cold or room temperature, not hot

• Drink through a straw to help push liquids past the painful parts of your mouth

• Rinse mouth with saltwater rinse (example: 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/8 tsp salt with 1 cup warm water)

Nausea

• Eat foods that are easy on your stomach – bananas, rice, applesauce, plain toast, dry cereal

• Eat 5-6 mini meals vs. 3 large meals

• Avoid hot foods, they have a stronger aroma

• Don’t skip meals – an empty stomach can make nausea worse

Sore Throat or Difficulty Swallowing

• Choose soft, moist foods that are easier to swallow

• Choose foods and drink that are high in calories and protein

• Moisten foods with gravies, sauces, broths and cook foods until soft and tender

• Avoid foods that may irritate throat such as hot temperatures, spicy foods, acidic foods with citrus or tomato products, sharp or crunchy foods like chips

Taste and Smell Changes

• Marinate meat, chicken, and fish to improve flavor

• If no mouth sores present, use lemon, lime, or vinegar to enhance flavor

• Swish and spit with mouth rinse before eating, when you wake up, and before bed (1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/8 tsp salt with 1 cup warm water)

• Avoid metal silverware, use plastic or bamboo instead

Vomiting

• Suck on ice chips

• Sip on clear liquids once vomiting stops such as water, juice, broth, sports drinks

• Once able to eat, try foods that are easy on your stomach – bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, dry cereal

Weight Loss

• Eat 5-6 mini meals vs. 3 large meals

• Eat 5-6 mini meals vs. 3 large meals

• Eat protein and calorie booster foods

• Drink milkshakes, smoothies, juices, or soups if you don’t feel like eating solid foods

• Eat on a schedule rather than waiting to feel hungry

Weight Gain

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables since they are high in fiber and low in calories

• Eat whole foods that are high in fiber such as whole grains, beans, peas, nuts

• Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy products

• Cook with low-fat methods such as broiling, steaming, grilling, or roasting

Calorie Boosters 

Number of Calories

4 oz coconut milk

222 calories

1/2 cup avocado 

200 calories

2 oz raisins 

169 calories

2/3 cup granola 

250 calories

2 tbsp nut butter

200 calories

8 oz whole milk 

150 calories

1 tbsp olive oil 

120 calories

1 tbsp maple syrup 

50 calories

1 tbsp chia seeds 

70 calories

Protein Boosters 

Grams of Protein

8 oz dairy or soy milk

8 grams

1 egg 

6 grams

1 cup cottage cheese 

25 grams

2 tbsp nut butter 

8 grams

1/4 cup shredded cheese 

6 grams

1 cup beans or lentils 

15 grams

1/2 cup greek yogurt 

11 grams

1 oz plain almonds 

6 grams

3 oz chicken 

26 grams

3 oz fish 

20 grams

Ensure Plus 

350 calories, 16g protein

Ensure Complete 

350 calories, 30g protein

Ensure Enlive 

350 calories, 20g protein

Ensure Clear 

180 calories, 8g protein

Fruit-flavored and consistency of a juice

Boost Breeze 

250 calories, 9g protein 

Fruit-flavored and consistency of a juice

Boost Plus 

360 calories, 14g protein

Boost Very High Calorie 

530 calories, 22g protein

Boost Glucose Control 

190 calories, 16g protein 

For patients with diabetes

Glucerna 

180 calories, 10g protein

For patients with diabetes

Magic Cup 

290 calories, 9g protein

Ice cream cup; taste well accepted

Benecalorie 

330 calories, 7g protein

Convenient powder that can be mixed into any food/beverage

Carnation Instant Breakfast (mixed with 1 cup whole milk)

290 calories, 13g protein

Taste well accepted; can also mix into shakes

Kate Farms nutrition shake 

330 calories, 16g protein

Plant-based, vegan supplement, designed for easy digestion

Orgain nutrition shake 

230-250 calories, 16g protein

Can purchase grass-fed protein or plant-based protein; organic

Enu nutritional shake 

400 calories, 20g protein

Formulated for easy digestion

Lutrish instant shake mix (mixed with 1 cup whole milk)

560 calories, 14g protein 

Powder form, high calorie

Enterade 

5 calories, 1g protein

Not significant source of calories/protein; provides amino acids and electrolytes; designed for patients undergoing cancer treatment