Health Tip: Regain Your Appetite

-- Eating can be a chore if you don't have the appetite.

Food may be a lot less appealing if you're sick or taking certain medications. But it's still important to eat a balanced diet.

The U.S. National Institute on Aging suggests how to restore your appetite:

• Get more exercise, which should make you hungrier.
• Add more flavor to your food -- not with salt, but with tasty additions such as lemon juice, herbs or vinegar.
• Vary the color, shape and texture of your foods.
• Don't overcook. Doing so robs food of its flavor and "crunch."