Cancer: "I Feel So Full After Eating Just a Little Bit"
You may have periods of time when you seem to “fill up so fast” even though you used to be a “big eater”. It is important to maintain your weight by choosing high calorie foods and foods that are rich in nutrients.
Ideas
- Choose foods that are rich in calories and nutrients.
- When choosing liquids to drink, select nutrient dense fluids such as milk, milkshakes, juices and punch-type drinks.
- Place only small servings of food on your plate so it does not seem to be so overwhelming or such an impossible task to eat a whole meal.
- Keep nutritious snack foods close by to eat when you are able.
- Eat small amounts of food often throughout the day.
- Keep a non-perishable snack at your bedside in case you wake up during the night.
Items to Avoid
- Avoid low calorie foods that fill you up such as lettuce salad, broth soups, diet sodas, etc.
- Limit the amount of fluids you drink with your meals. Liquids tend to make people feel full. Save the water, tea, coffee and other liquids for between meals.
"I get tired easily. I don't have much energy."
Feeling tired or fatigued is normal at times during illness and during stressful times. You need rest and good food. Many times you will feel more like eating after you have napped or rested.
More ideas
- Eat as much as possible at your best time of day. If fatigue worsens later in the day, eat a larger breakfast or lunch.
- At times when you have more energy, prepare foods in quantity. Refrigerate or freeze them for eating later.
- Keep leftovers in containers that can be easily warmed in the microwave.
- Use frozen or canned foods that require little preparation.
- Try supermarket deli foods and carry-out food from restaurants.
- Accept the offers of family and friends to help out.
- Check on “Meals On Wheels” in your community.
- Check on a “Take Out Taxi” service in your area. These services will pick up foods from participating restaurants and deliver them to your door.
If you are a UW Health patient and have any 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 © 06/19/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#477
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