If you feel too full to eat or are troubled by nausea and vomiting, try these tips.
- Drink liquids an hour before or after eating to keep from filling up quickly during meals.
- Try high-calorie medical nutritional products such as Ensure Plus®. They can help you get the calories and nutrients you need without filling you up.
- Eat high-carbohydrate foods such as crackers and toast if you're troubled by nausea. They move through the stomach quickly and may be particularly helpful if eaten when you first wake up in the morning.
- Slowly sip cold, clear beverages such as Kool-Aid® or carbonated drinks. Don't drink them during meals if you fill up too quickly.
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
- Rest after you eat. Activity can slow digestion and may cause discomfort.
- If food smells nauseate you, stay out of the kitchen while meals are prepared — even leave the house, if possible. Cold foods tend to have less odor, so try eating more dairy products, chicken or tuna salad sandwiches, cold soups, and cool desserts with fruit.
- If nausea becomes severe, talk with your doctor. She or he may prescribe medicine for nausea relief.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Talk with your doctor or nurse for more information.