How To Serve More
Protein and Calories
- If your child is having eating problems, it is important to make every
bite count.
- Your child's doctor or registered dietitian may suggest serving more
high-protein and high-calorie foods:
- Protein foods help the body stay strong and repair itself.
- High-calorie foods help prevent weight loss.
- See ideas on increasing
protein and idea for increasing calories in
the diet. Also Table 4 checke the list
of snacks that provide important nutrients.
- The ideas and suggestions listed here have worked for other children
with cancer during their treatment. Each person is different, though, and
you will have to find our what works best for your child. Be sure to talk
to your child's doctor and registered dietitian before changing the foods
you serve.
Commercial Product To Improve Nutrition
- If your child cannot get enough calories and protein from his or her
diet, the doctor or registered dietitian may recommend commercial nutrition
supplements such as formulas and instant breakfast powders. Some of these
products are designed to be added to other foods or beverages to boost calorie
content. All supplements are high in protein and calories and have extra
vitamins and minerals. They come in liquid, pudding, and powder forms.
- These products need no refrigeration until you open them. Carry nutrition
supplements with your for times when your child feels hungry or thirsty.
They may be served chilled as between-meal and bedtime snacks. You may want
to take a can or two with you when your child goes for treatments or for
other times when there may be a long wait.
- Many supermarkets and drugstores carry commercial nutrition supplements.
If you don't see these products on the shelf of your supermarket or drugstore,
ask the store manager if they can be ordered. You also may want to ask your
child's doctor or registered dietitian for information about special products.
Be sure to ask for the manufacturer's name.