Cancer: “I Can't Even Stand the Smell of Food”
General Suggestions
- Let someone else do the cooking.
- Have food prepared outside your living area.
- If smells such as brewing coffee bother you, try putting the coffee maker or toaster in the porch or garage, if it can be done safely.
- Use prepared foods from the freezer that can be warmed at a low temperature.
- Choose foods that do not need to be cooked, such as a cold sandwich, yogurt, cottage cheese, pasta salads, cheese, etc.
- Order deli foods or other pre-cooked meals.
- Let hot foods cool off before eating them. They have less aroma when cool.
Things to Avoid
- Do not cook foods with a strong smell such as pot roasts.
- Do not fry foods.
- Avoid eating in a room that is stuffy, too warm, or has cooking odors or smells that disagree with you.
If you are a UW Health patient and have further questions or concerns, please call the nutritionist at the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, (608) 263-9128.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/14/2012
Copyright © 06/22/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#480
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