You must eat as much as you can while you are having treatment. People who eat well and drink lots of fluids can deal with side effects better and are better able to fight infection. In addition, their bodies can rebuild healthy tissues faster. Even when you know it's important to eat well, there may be days when you feel you just can't. You may be interested to know that cancer generally decreases appetite. Chemotherapy also affects your appetite because it affects how your food tastes, and simply having lung cancer can also reduce your appetite. When your appetite is poor, try these strategies:Eat small meals or snacks whenever you want. You don't have to eat three regular meals each day. A variety of high-calorie liquid supplements are available, both in creamy and fruit-flavored forms, that may permit good nutritional intake without a high volume of food.Vary your diet and try new foods and recipes. Some patients find that cold foods are easier to tolerate because the smell of cooking foods may be a turnoff. Some people find that breakfast foods are better tolerated; eating them at other times of the day may be a way to get nutrition more palatably.When possible, take a walk before meals to make you feel hungrier.Try changing your mealtime routine. For example, eat by candlelight or in a different location.Eat with friends or family members. When eating alone, listen to the radio or watch TV.If you live alone, you might want to arrange for Meals on Wheels or a similar program to bring food to you.Drink as much as you can. Small amounts consumed often will help keep enough fluids in your body. You may find popsicles, gelatins and ice cream to be good substitutes for other liquids.