Jeanette Obal, Occupational Therapist:
To feed oneself with greater ease, consider these options:
- As handling eating utensils becomes more difficult, consider making the handles of those utensils fatter to lessen the amount of grip strength needed to hold onto them. Use lightweight cups, plates, and bowls. Finger foods are also often easier to eat. Try several light meals throughout the day rather than eating a larger meal at one sitting;
- There are high calorie supplements and other ways one can add more calories to a meal. Go with full-fat products when you’re able (try cream on cereal versus milk). Meeting with a dietitian can be helpful in identifying alternatives and the best foods for adding calories and nutrients;
- When taking in food is too difficult for whatever reason, a tube that transports liquid nutrients can be placed directly in the stomach to bypass the act of feeding and eating. Many ALS patients find this helpful.
