Last Modified: 2:18pm 28/05/2020
Nutrition – Self Care
During the early stages of recovery, it is important to eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of protein. However, COVID-19 may affect your appetite and ability to eat and drink. Food previously enjoyed may taste unpleasant or bland. Chewing and swallowing may be tiring if you have trouble breathing.
If your appetite remains poor following a COVID-19 infection then small frequent nourishing meals, snacks and drinks may be easier to manage. Soft, moist foods may be easier to swallow if you have trouble breathing. Try experimenting with different seasonings, mild spices, herbs, pepper, chutneys, and pickles to enhance the flavour of your food. If you find cooking difficult or tiring let others help prepare or bring food. Include convenience foods, such as ready meals, tinned, dried or frozen foods, in your weekly shop. You may also be able to access meals through home delivery services, local council and charities.
You may wish to use the below checklist to identify if you need any nutritional help. The PDF’s have lots of practical tips and information but if you continue to experience problems with eating or find you are struggling to regain weight you have lost, contact your GP for advice and referral to a dietitian.
For more information about the dietetic department please visit Nutrition and Dietetics.