Try small, frequent feedings instead of three large meals. Eat and drink slowly.
Eat dry foods (toast, crackers) before rising in the morning.
Avoid fatty, greasy, or fried foods. Avoid overly sweet or spicy foods.
Clear, cool beverages are recommended. Sip liquids slowly through a straw.
Avoid liquids at meal times. Take them 30 to 60 minutes before or after eating.
Don't lie flat for at least two hours after eating.
If smells make you nauseated, have someone else do the cooking or use foods that don't have to be cooked. Avoid foods with strong odors.
Eat foods cold or at room temperature.
Avoid eating in a room that is stuffy or too warm.
Don't force yourself to eat a favorite food when you feel nauseated.
Wear loose-fitting clothes.
Diarrhea
Use refined-grain products (white bread and rice) in place of whole-grain products (oat, whole wheat, bran).
Avoid vegetables or fruits with skins, hulls, or seeds. All vegetables should be cooked and without seeds. Avoid gas-forming foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Include foods high in potassium such as bananas, potatoes, orange juice, or meat.
Drink lots of uncaffeinated liquids to replenish lost fluids. Liquids should be at room temperature.
Use low-lactose products if milk causes diarrhea.
Avoid caffeine.
Avoid highly spiced, greasy, fatty, or fried foods.
Tell your doctor if diarrhea persists.
Constipation
Add more fiber and fluid to your diet. Use whole-grain breads and cereals (whole-wheat bread, oatmeal) in place of refined-grain products (white bread, pasta, and rice).
Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. You should strive for five to eight servings a day.
Try adding bran to cooked cereals and casseroles. Bran can also be eaten as a cereal.
Snack on dried fruits.
Drink plenty of uncaffeinated fluids (8 to 10 full glasses each day). Prune juice is a good choice since it has a laxative effect.
Hot liquids often stimulate bowel activity and may be helpful.
Difficulty Swallowing
Foods that are liquid or soft are the best choice when soreness develops in the mouth or throat.
Very cold foods are often soothing. Add ice to milk and milkshakes.
Fruit drinks and nectars can be substituted for acidic fruit juices (orange, grapefruit, tomato) to avoid burning.
Drink small amounts of high-calorie supplements frequently. Try double-strength milk (8 oz. whole milk and 5 tbsp non-fat dry milk), eggnogs, milkshakes, and powered instant breakfast mixed with whole milk.
Use a blender or food processor to puree your foods.
Cut food into small pieces and moisten with soups, thin gravies, butter, or sauces.
Loss of Appetite
Eat small, frequent meals and keep snacks handy for nibbling.
Make the foods you eat count by using high-calorie, high-protein items. Try high-calorie milkshakes and supplements or eggnog instead of noncaloric beverages (water, diet soda, coffee, tea).
Make your meals attractive. Eat in a calm, pleasant atmosphere, with others, if possible. Listen to relaxing music while eating. Add variety to your meals.
Avoid foods that will cause feelings of fullness (carbonated beverages and fatty foods).
Engage in light or moderate exercise two hours before meals. Check with your doctor first.
Change in Taste
Use herbs and spices to make food more flavorful (basil, oregano, rosemary, tarragon, lemon).
Try adding bacon or ham to vegetables.
Try cooked chicken, turkey, or fish if red meat tastes strange. Use eggs and dairy products as substitutes.
Marinate meat, chicken, or fish in sweet fruit juices, flavorful salad dressings, or sweet-and-sour sauce.
Tart foods (oranges and lemons) may enhance flavor (if you have no mouth or throat problems).
Serve foods cold or at room temperature for improved taste.
Try eating foods that leave their own taste in your mouth, such as fresh fruit or hard candies.
Ask your dentist about special mouthwashes and good mouth care.
Avoid smells from cooking if possible.
Maximize other food characteristics such as color and texture.
Avoid cooking in metal pots.
Chew sugar-free mints to disguise unpleasant tastes.
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