Lost cause in preparation? Not if you’re hungry (9)
I believe the answer is:
cassoulet
'preparation? not if you're hungry' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'lost cause' is the wordplay.
'lost cause' can be anagrammed to 'CASSOULET'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cassoulet that I've seen before include "French stew made with meat and beans" , "dish" .)