Simple Ways to Make Eating Easier and More Enjoyable
Our eating habits can change over time. Illness, tiredness, changes in appetite, or difficulties preparing meals can make eating more challenging. Small changes to your eating environment, meal choices, and daily routine can help make mealtimes more enjoyable and support good nutrition.
Eat Little and Often
Large meals can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Instead, try:
- Eating smaller meals more frequently
- Having snacks between meals
- Eating every 2–3 hours if possible
- Taking advantage of times when you feel hungry
Small, regular meals are often easier to manage than three large meals each day.
Keep Food Within Easy Reach
Being prepared can help make eating easier.
Helpful Ideas
- Keep snacks nearby
- Store foods that are quick and easy to prepare
- Have nourishing drinks available
- Keep favourite foods in the cupboard or freezer
This can help you make the most of your appetite when you feel ready to eat.
Choose Convenient Meal Options
If cooking feels difficult or tiring, consider:
- Ready meals
- Frozen meals
- Tinned meals and soups
- Easy-to-prepare foods
Having convenient options available can help ensure you continue eating regularly.
Consider Finger Foods
Finger foods can be helpful if using cutlery is difficult.
Examples include:
- Sandwiches
- Pizza slices
- Crackers and cheese
- Sausage rolls
- Fruit slices
- Vegetable sticks
These foods can support independence and make eating more manageable.
Make Meals Look Appealing
Food that looks attractive can often be more enjoyable to eat.
Try To:
- Add colour to your plate
- Include a variety of foods
- Present meals neatly
- Use attractive crockery where possible
Making meals visually appealing may help stimulate appetite.
Create a Calm Eating Environment
A relaxed environment can make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Helpful Tips
- Eat in a well-lit room
- Sit comfortably at a table
- Allow yourself plenty of time to eat
- Eat with family or friends when possible
Sharing meals with others can make eating a more enjoyable experience.
Reduce Distractions
Focusing on your meal may help improve food intake.
Consider:
- Turning off the television
- Keeping the table clear of clutter
- Reducing background distractions
Some people find gentle background music more relaxing during meals.
Add More Flavour
Changes in taste can affect appetite and enjoyment of food.
Boost Flavour With:
- Herbs
- Spices
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
- Chutneys
- Pickles
These can add flavour without relying on extra salt.
Add Sweetness To Foods
Some people find sweeter flavours easier to enjoy.
Ideas include:
- Adding a small amount of sugar to savoury foods such as baked beans or scrambled eggs
- Serving chutneys or pickles with meals
- Choosing naturally sweeter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or swede
These changes may help improve taste and encourage eating.
Keep Food Warm
Meals can become less appealing if they cool down too quickly.
Helpful Tips
- Use insulated plates where available
- Keep part of the meal warm in the oven
- Reheat food if needed
- Serve smaller portions and refill as required
Keeping food warm can help improve enjoyment and make meals easier to finish.
Additional Support
If eating difficulties continue, an occupational therapist may be able to advise on:
- Adapted cutlery
- Specialist cups
- Plate guards
- Other eating aids
These tools can help make eating safer, easier, and more comfortable.
Further Information Available
This webpage provides a summary of practical tips to help make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable.
The full PDF resource includes:
- Appetite support advice
- Mealtime environment tips
- Practical eating strategies
- Finger food guidance
- Flavour enhancement ideas
- Information on adapted eating aids
For complete guidance, please download the full PDF resource.
