Try to choose menu options with the most energy (calories) and protein, to boost your intake, this is important to support your recovery.
If nothing on the menu appeals to you, speak to a nurse about what you might manage, other food is available.
Try to eat three meals as well as two or three nourishing snacks a day including a bedtime snack.
If you’re struggling to eat, please speak to your nurse who may refer you to the dietitian for further advice.
Breakfast
- Try to include boiled eggs or yogurt as part of your breakfast because they are good sources of protein.
- Ask for full fat milk on cereals or choose porridge.
- Add butter and jam or marmalade to bread or toast.
- Try to include a portion of fruit juice.
Main meals
- If you cannot manage three courses, choose a small main course and a pudding or choose soup and a sandwich.
- Eat the main part of the meal first. That would be the meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, or lentils because this part contains the most protein.
- Try to have a hot pudding even if you don’t manage a main meal. This will boost your energy intake.
- Choose mashed, roast, or chipped potatoes.
- If you choose salad, add mayonnaise or dressing.
Snacks
These are always available, including:
- Small cakes
- Biscuits
- Rice pudding pots
- Custard pots
- Cheese and crackers
- Full cream milk for drinks and cereals
- Sandwiches
- Full fat yoghurt
Milky drinks are very nourishing. Full fat milk, milkshake, hot chocolate, and malted milk drinks are good choices.