Eat Right, Eat Well

Some stroke survivors experience a loss of appetite; while others may find it difficult to eat due to swallowing problems or limited hand or arm movements. In any case, talk to a nutritionist to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need.

To make eating a little easier again, try these steps:

• Choose healthy food with stronger flavours, such as broiled fish and citrus fruits. Also, include spices to add flavour to food, choose colourful food such as salmon, carrots and dark green vegetables, to entice your taste buds.
• Cut food into small pieces or pick softer food, such as yogurt, bananas, whole-grain cereals and low sodium soups.
• If you have trouble swallowing, talk to your speech therapist or doctor. This condition can be treated.
• If weakness in arms or hands is a problem, you might want to try adaptive eating utensils. Some types of flatware have thicker handles that are easier to hold.