Feeding a Child with cancer 5 goals to keep in mind during treatment

My child doesn't feel hungry

A poor appetite is a common problem for children having treatment and, for some, even before starting treatment. Many children find that they don’t know what they want to eat which can make many parents feel frustrated and stressed.

If your child’s appetite is poor then they may start to lose weight so children are encouraged to eat plenty of high-calorie, high-protein foods. Fat is a rich source of energy so eating lots of high-fat and sugary foods such as burgers, chips, ice cream, cakes and biscuits can be helpful.

What Can I Do?

• Try offering small meals and snacks throughout the day so they have something small to eat or drink every 2-3 hours during the day. Many children find this easier than sticking to their usual three meals. Always keep snacks handy (see pages 13-14 for ideas on snack foods).
• Make the most of when your child’s appetite is at its best. For many, this is in the morning. Try some of these breakfast ideas: porridge, pancakes with syrup or jam, yoghurt and fruit, bacon and eggs, hash browns, sausages, beans or spaghetti hoops on toast, omelette, scrambled eggs, cheese on toast. Remember, there is no need to stick to traditional breakfast foods, why not try sandwiches, custard or cakes and biscuits instead?
• Avoid filling your child up with low energy, bulky foods such as clear soups, vegetables and fruit. “Power pack” the food: add extra protein and energy by mixing in extra milk, cream, oil, nut butters (for more ideas, see section How to add extra calories and protein to food ).
• Encourage drinks between meals and avoid letting your child ‘fill up’ on drinks just before a meal.
• See if your child will try nutritional supplement drinks which are available on prescription.
• Ask friends and family to help with preparing food or cooking meals.

Mealtime Tips

• Sometimes mealtimes can be hard work leaving you and your child exhausted. Many children with poor appetites eat very slowly. Limit mealtimes to no longer than twenty minutes. After this time it is unlikely that they are going to eat any more. Concentrate on what they have eaten rather than what they haven’t eaten at that mealtime.
• Don’t force your child to eat, sometimes they just don’t feel hungry. Wait a while and try a snack or nutritional supplement drink later.
• Even though it can be frustrating, try not to argue or nag too much about food. If mealtimes are becoming a battle or food and diet is causing you to feel stressed, speak to your child’s dietitian, nurse or doctor for extra advice and support.
• Try to include the family at mealtimes and aim to eat at the same time as your child. This can help take the focus off eating and make mealtimes a social occasion.
• Don’t put too much food on the plate and try a small plate - an overfull plate can be off-putting. They can always come back for second helpings.
• Encourage your child to be involved in choosing and preparing their food. Limit their choice to 2-3 different foods or snacks. Having too much choice can be overwhelming.