But for people battling arthritis, cancer, depression, and other conditions that can affect appetite, eating right is much easier said than done. To help, WebMD compiled this list of nutrients you need, complete with suggestions for how to get them quickly and easily.
Harnessing the Power of Protein
Hands down, "the most important nutrient when you are feeling weak is protein," says Rachel Beller, MS, RD, director of the Brander Nutritional Oncology Counseling and Research Program at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, Calif. "We need protein for strength and for maintaining proper body mass."
If you have cancer, are not hungry, and don't eat, "you could become weakened to the point that treatment can be halted," she says. To avoid this scenario, "psychologically think of food as medicine."
When you feel too ill to eat, consider a high-calorie drink, Beller suggests. "Take some easily-digestible protein powder (such as whey) and put it in a blender with some almond milk (which is also easy to digest) and some frozen berries, so it has a cool temperature, but it's not icy," she says.
"Sliced bananas or yogurt can be added to make it creamy," she says. "Blend and drink." It's high-protein (containing roughly 21 grams of protein, which is the equivalent to 3 ounces of chicken), contains one to two servings of fruit, and is rich in calcium, Beller says.
Another good choice: "Healthy, high-protein foods such as nuts are usually well tolerated when you are nauseous," she says. Almond butter, cashew butter on crackers, or pre-prepared soup with beans also pack a good protein punch.
Sally Pataky, MS, RD, recommends eggs, as well as shakes, to her clients at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. "It takes a lot of energy to chew things," she says. "I suggest eggs because they are the best quality protein and they are easy to eat."