A protein choice
Try fish, eggs, poultry, beans, lentils, tofu or yogurt.
RENDINE · NUTRITION GUIDE
Eat well.
Make it your own.
An everyday reference for balanced meals, practical preparation and movement. Use the sections below to find what you need.
14 sections3 sample days38 kitchen recipes
Eating with intention
Choose foods that supply useful nutrients in portions you enjoy. When appetite is reduced, smaller meals and a predictable routine may be easier than large plates. Your needs depend on your health, activity and medicines; individual targets belong with a qualified clinician or dietitian.
Build a balanced plate
Produce in a form you enjoy
Include vegetables and fruit. Cooked textures may be more comfortable on some days.
Grains and nourishing fats
Add a whole grain or starchy food and a modest amount of olive oil, nuts, seeds or avocado.
Foods to keep in rotation
Protein foods
Rotate animal and plant choices so meals have variety.
Fiber-rich foods
Oats, pulses, fruits and vegetables can contribute dietary fiber.
Regular fluids
Drink water through the day, following any fluid limits your clinician has given you.
Nutrient variety
Try a range of foods rather than relying on a single meal or supplement.
Find what sits well
Fried foods, rich sauces, alcohol, fizzy drinks or very large portions can feel uncomfortable for some people. Notice your own tolerance and make small adjustments; a food does not need to be banned to be eaten less often.
Eight easy snack ideas
- Cheese and whole-grain crackers
- Hard-boiled egg
- Roasted chickpeas
- Apple with nut butter
- Cottage cheese and fruit
- Turkey and cheese roll-up
- Edamame
- Hummus and vegetable sticks
On lower-appetite days
Smaller servings
Try a little food at a time and eat slowly. Stop when comfortably full.
Soft or liquid options
Soup, yogurt or a smoothie may be easier than a large solid meal.
Digestive comfort
Build fiber gradually and keep fluids in mind. Seek individual advice when symptoms persist.
Contact your clinician for persistent vomiting, severe pain or symptoms that prevent you from eating or drinking. Do not change medication dosing based on this guide.
Ten meals to keep handy
Greek yogurt protein bowl →Sheet pan salmon and vegetables →Soft blended lentil soup →Protein smoothie →Turkey and vegetable stir fry →Cottage cheese with fruit and nuts →Baked egg muffins →Chicken and vegetable soup →Baked parmesan chicken tenders →Overnight protein oats →
See all 38 recipes →Three sample days
Day one
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt bowl
- Lunch: Chicken and vegetable soup
- Dinner: Salmon with vegetables
- Snack: Cottage cheese and fruit
Day two
- Breakfast: Overnight protein oats
- Lunch: Tuna lettuce cups
- Dinner: Turkey meatballs
- Snack: Edamame
Day three
- Breakfast: Tofu scramble
- Lunch: Chickpea salad
- Dinner: Peanut tempeh stir-fry
- Snack: Hummus and vegetables
Meal ideas only; quantities, calories and protein needs differ. Adapt for allergies, dietary choices and medical advice.
Eating away from home
Look for a protein choice, a vegetable side and portions that fit your appetite. Ask for sauces separately if that helps, eat at an unhurried pace and save leftovers safely. A shared dish or smaller order can be a practical option.
A little preparation helps
Choose two or three recipes for the week. Batch a grain, prepare vegetables and portion cooked protein into refrigerated or frozen containers. Keep ready-to-eat choices available for days when cooking feels like too much.
Build an everyday pantry
Cupboard
Oats, rice, lentils, canned beans, tuna, nut butter and olive oil.
Fridge
Eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, fruit and vegetables.
Freezer
Vegetables, berries, edamame, fish and portions of prepared meals.
Why movement belongs here
Food and activity support the same daily routine. Choose movement you can repeat comfortably, whether that is walking, cycling, gentle mobility or resistance exercise. Start small if you are inactive and build gradually.
Start with strength basics
Practice movements you use in life: standing, pushing, pulling and carrying. Rest between sessions, use a manageable resistance and ask for help with unfamiliar exercises. See moves and complete routines →Make a rhythm you can keep
Plan meals, movement and rest around your real week. Check in on energy and recovery, and adjust instead of pushing through. Consistency does not require doing the same thing every day.
General education, not a personalized nutrition or treatment plan. Discuss specific needs with a qualified professional, particularly if you have kidney disease, diabetes, food allergies or medication-related appetite changes. Healthy eating and activity guidance — NIDDK ↗