← Back
Nutrition and daily life

Small, frequent meals: little, but enough

With poor appetite, nausea and early fullness, a big plate can be daunting. Eating small portions 6–8 times a day raises total intake without overloading the stomach.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Small portions on a table.
Figure 1.Six small plates — Small, frequent meals: little, but enough

01Short answer

Eat a small meal or snack every 2–3 hours, even if you do not feel hungry. Use small plates and bowls so portions look less daunting. Add protein to each small meal: egg, yogurt, cheese, chicken or legumes. Drink between meals so your stomach does not fill too fast. Prepare small portions ahead, keep them in the fridge and eat them within 1–2 days, reheating until steaming. Dry, sealed snacks can be kept by the bed.

02Simple explanation

Every 2–3 hours.

A small plate.

Protein each time.

Fluids between meals.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: with poor appetite, 5–6 small meals instead of 3 large ones increase total energy intake.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

Preparing

Cook once and divide into several small portions.

A small bowl on a big plate.
Figure 2.A small bowl — Small, frequent meals: little, but enough

Family

Family members can remind you of the times.

Small containers in the fridge.
Figure 3.Ready snacks — Small, frequent meals: little, but enough

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PreparingCook once and divide into several small portions.
FamilyFamily members can remind you of the times.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Early fullness
Feeling full after a little food.
Portion
The amount eaten at one time.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Eat often.
  • Add protein.
  • Keep food ready.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I eat even if not hungry?

Yes; hunger signals weaken during treatment.

Can I eat at night?

Yes, a light snack if you wake.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I eat even if not hungry?

  2. Can I eat at night?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  2. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  4. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  5. MedlinePlus. Caffeine
  6. National Cancer Institute. Diet and Cancer Risk
  7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Chamomile
  8. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Peppermint Oil
  9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Cinnamon
  10. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Sage
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →