When you are tired or unwell, it can be difficult to make sure you are eating enough. However, this is usually the time when good nutrition is most important.
Tips for when you are too tired to shop, cook, or eat:
- Remember to have a rest before meals.
- Eat slowly and chew foods well.
- Breathe evenly while chewing and sit quietly for 30 minutes after eating.
- Stop eating if you need too. Relax and take a few deep breaths before continuing to eat.
- Eat meals when your symptoms are best controlled.
- Try having five or six smaller meals or snacks rather than three large meals per day.
- Make all meals and snacks as nourishing as possible – make every mouthful count.
- Consider using a home delivered meal service
- If nauseated, try cold meals instead of hot.
- Softer foods are often better tolerated (for example, stews, mashed vegetables, mince or scrambled eggs).
- Never miss a meal. Try a smaller snack or nourishing drink if you can’t face a big meal.
- Prepare extra meals when you are feeling good and freeze for later use.
- If you have been prescribed oxygen, you could use this while eating your meal.
- Stock up the kitchen with low cost, healthy convenience meals for the times you are not feeling great. Bottled, frozen and tinned foods can be nutritious (remember to read the labels to see if it is a healthy food option). They are also easy to prepare and easy to stock up on when you are feeling well.
