There are times when we are unwell, particularly when suffering chronic illness or receiving treatment that we might simply feel too poorly to function. Basic necessities can become a difficult chore, and even eating might be a struggle. Are you too tired or in too much pain to manage food? Here are some top tips for getting the best possible diet.
Drink plenty of water
We can survive longer without food than we can without water, because water is absolutely essential to our health. Drinking the recommended two liters of water a day can help our bodies to feel more energised and less lethargic which is very important when fighting illness. Our bodies perform better when hydrated.
Try and get a balance of foods
You should try and get as wide a variety of foods as you can tolerate, including fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and carbohydrates. If you can only manage small portions, having a selection of foods available to you means you can have what you fancy so you are at least enjoying anything you can eat.
Choose meals that require minimum effort to consume
Soups and smoothies are perfect for sipping through a straw or from a cup. They will help to keep you hydrated as they contain water which is vital to ensure your body functions at its optimum level. It also means you can combine meat and vegetables, or fruit, which taste great and you don’t have to make much of an effort to eat them.
Tell your doctor about issues you are having
If you feel as though the problem is constant or troubling you more often than it isn’t, speak to your doctor. Some conditions require advanced medical nutrition to help you to maintain a healthy diet or weight. These supplements can contain all your vital vitamins and minerals, as well as the calories you need to be at the best you can be. If you are in too much pain to eat, ask the doctor to address your pain. Don’t just sit and suffer; it will help you recover more if your pain isn’t bothering you constantly.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Ask a family member or friend to help you prepare meals, either fresh or to be chilled or frozen and consumed later. Having something easy to eat that can just go in the microwave can make eating easier when you genuinely just don’t want to or can’t.
While eating might seem like the last thing you want to do, there are options available to you to help you manage your diet a little better to give your body the best chance of fighting the illness inside and out. Speak to your doctor, dietician or other healthcare professional if you feel your diet is unsatisfactory or you are having problems eating due to illness.
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