While going through cancer treatment, it's likely you'll have times when you don't want to cook, eat, or even smell food.Yet, eating well improves your ability to cope with treatment.
This round-up of ideas can help you when cooking isn't possible:
- Think ahead. Make easy-to-eat foods (soups, casseroles, pasta) in advance on days when you want to cook. Freeze them in single-serving containers or bags.
- Ask friends to bring meals instead of flowers or candy (sorry!) when they visit. Divide the leftovers into smaller packets and freeze for later.
- Fill your cupboards and refrigerator with foods you can eat--even when you're feeling too crummy to cook--such as cereal, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, bread and crackers, cheese, dips, packaged cups of pudding and gelatin, vegetables, and fruits (fresh, frozen, or canned).
- Order takeout delivery or have someone pick it up. Many supermarkets now have fully prepared meals ready to take home.
- If your spouse or caregiver wants to cook, but the smell bothers you, ask to borrow a neighbor's kitchen.
Don't cook or even reheat. Foods served cold have less strong tastes and smells.
- Drink your nutrition by using liquid supplements. Talk with your doctor about which ones you should keep on hand.