For many people living with anosmia or parosmia, eating with smell loss is one of the hardest parts of daily life. Meals that once brought comfort or pleasure can feel empty or even unpleasant. Some people lose their appetite altogether, while others find themselves eating more in the search for satisfaction.
This challenge is something we hear about often in the CKOS community; and while there’s no single solution, there are practical ways to adapt.
Why Food Feels Different After Smell Loss
Our sense of smell plays a big role in flavour. Without it, food can taste flat, repetitive, or even distorted. Parosmia can make once-loved foods taste burnt, rotten, or chemical. These changes don’t just affect your diet; they can impact your physical health and emotional wellbeing too.
What the Experts Recommend
In a webinar hosted by AbScent, three specialists shared their experiences of helping people navigate altered eating:
- Dr Duika Burges Watson, founder of the Altered Eating Network
- Professor Vincent Deary, health psychologist
- Sheri Taylor, nutrition rehabilitation specialist
They highlighted the importance of curiosity and persistence. While there’s no universal fix, small experiments and shared tips can help people discover what works for them.
You can watch the full discussion here: Webinar on altered eating and smell loss
Practical Strategies to Try
- Experiment with texture and temperature: Crunch, fizz, spice, or cold can sometimes add interest even when flavour is missing.
- Be mindful of cravings: With smell loss, it’s easy to confuse wanting food with enjoying it. Becoming more aware can help you manage eating habits.
- Share experiences with others: Tips from people who understand the challenge are often more helpful than generic advice.
- Focus on what feels possible: If certain foods are unpleasant right now, set them aside. You may be able to reintroduce them later.
- Be kind to yourself: Living with altered eating can feel like a job in itself. Allow yourself rest days.
The Social Side of Eating
Explaining altered eating to friends or family can be frustrating, especially since smell disorders are invisible. Preparing a short explanation about your experience can make conversations easier and reduce that emotional burden.
Key Takeaway
Smell loss can make eating one of the most challenging parts of daily life. But with persistence, curiosity, and support from others who understand, you can discover new ways of approaching food. While the experience may never be the same, there are ways to adapt and keep eating well.
