doc says gain weight! chemo &food aversions

[ElaineM]

I would like to suggest soups and smoothies. You can buy some frozen fruits if you don't feel like standing and cutting things. Throw them in a blender with a little water, dried milk, yoghurt, almond milk, or soy milk and maybe a little protein powder from a health food store. you can even put the results in small cups and freeze them for refreshing snacks anytime. You can also carry a few crackers, a plastic container of cereal with dried milk (Just add water when you are ready to eat it.), a plastic bag with cereal like cherrios and few nuts, or a peanut butter cereal bar. Most of these things are easy to carry around in your pocket or bag. I always carry a container of fresh water and a snack wherever I go.

[Becky]

First, I would try yogurt - maybe even one of those newer ones like Activa. It will help replenish the good bacteria that help with food digestion. If you can't eat that cuz you don't like it, I would go and get a good probiotic supplement instead. After 2 weeks or so, that should be sufficiently replenished.

Try easy to eat foods that also have sufficient calories. Bananas come to mind as do avocados. Can you eat nuts? You can buy them unsalted too. A hearty handful everyday adds a good 300 calories. Protein is also very important - eggs, meats and fish. You can also supplement with Boost or Ensure - just to make sure you are getting enough. Puddings especially rice or tapioca are also good choices as there is some grain in those (and they are yummier). A nice chuck of good chocolate every now and then is also good.

There is an abundance of winter squashes available now that you can make a butternut/ginger soup. Ginger has anti-nausea effects and may also be a help to you. It also aids in digestion.

I will keep thinking.