* A high protein/high calorie diet means eating foods that have a lot of protein and calories. You may need extra protein and calories because of an illness, surgery, or to help wounds heal. Or, you may need this diet to gain weight and get stronger after an illness.
* High protein foods may contain a lot of fat. Use low fat dairy products and limit your intake of animal fats if you have high blood cholesterol.
* Plant foods such as nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados have fats that are better for you than animal fats. Ask your dietitian if you need help choosing the best kinds of fats for you.
Care:
* Eat the foods that you enjoy the most from the list below. This will help make eating pleasant.
* Eating 6 to 8 small meals during the day or evening may be easier than having 3 larger meals.
* Keep snack foods around so you can eat when you feel hungry. You may enjoy eating in a quiet, relaxed place.
Serving Sizes: Use the list below to measure foods and serving sizes. A serving size is measured after the food is cooked or prepared.
* 1 pint or 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) of liquid is the size of 1-1/2 soda-pop cans.
* 1-1/2 cup (12 fluid ounces) of liquid is the size of a soda-pop can.
* 1 cup of food is the size of a large handful, or 8 fluid ounces of liquid.
* 1/2 cup of food is about half of a large handful, or 4 fluid oz of liquid.
* 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) is about the size of a large walnut.
* 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) is about the size of the tip of your thumb (from the last crease).
* 1 teaspoon (tsp) is about the size of the tip of your little finger (from the last crease).
* 3 ounces of cooked meat, fish, or poultry is about the size of a deck of cards.
* 1 ounce of cooked meat, fish, or poultry is about 1/4 cup.
* One ounce of hard cheese is about a 1 inch cube.
High Protein Milk & Dairy Items: Eat 4 to 5 servings a day from this list:
* 1/2 cup eggnog
* 1 cup Instant breakfast drink made with whole milk
* 1 cup milkshake made with whole milk and ice cream
* 1/2 cup powdered milk which you add to baked goods, milkshakes, or regular milk
* 1 cup whole milk, as a drink or in soups
* 1 cup whole milk yogurt, with fruit, nuts, or granola
High Protein Meats & Meat Substitutes: Eat 3 to 5 servings a day from this list:
* 3 ounces beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.
* 2 ounces cheese, added to casseroles, soups, stews, salads, and omelets
* 3/4 cup cooked dried beans, peas, or lentils in soups and casseroles
* 1/2 cup cottage or ricotta cheese, used in lasagna and casseroles, or mixed with fruit
* 3 ounces meat (chopped or cut in small cubes) added to casseroles, soups, stews, salads, or pizza
* 3 ounces tuna, shrimp, or white fish which has been fried or put in salads
* 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) peanut butter
* 4 oz. tofu or tempeh, added to stir-fried dishes, casseroles, or soups
* 1 large or 2 medium eggs which you add to cakes, salads, casseroles, desserts, or breads
High Calorie Breads / Starches: Eat 6 to 11 servings a day from this list:
* 3 inch size buttermilk biscuit
* 2 handfuls of chips (like potato chips or other snack chips)
* 1 medium croissant
* 3 inch size muffin
* 6 inch size pancake or waffle
* 1 inch thick slice quick bread (like banana bread or zucchini bread)
* 2 slices whole grain bread
High Calorie Fruits: Eat 2 to 4 servings a day from this list:
* 1 cup canned fruit in syrup
* 1/2 cup dried fruit
* 1 cup fruit juice
* 1 cup fruit smoothie made with yogurt or ice cream
High Calorie Vegetables: Eat 2 to 4 servings a day from this list:
* 1 cup batter-dipped fried vegetables
* 1 cup dark green or yellow vegetables (3 to 4 times a week)
* 1 to 2 cups fresh vegetables added to a salad with extra salad dressing
* 1 cup mixed vegetables sauteed in olive oil
* 1 cup vegetables mixed with added cheeses or cream sauces
High Calorie Desserts: Eat 1 to 3 servings a day from this list:
* 3 inch square piece of cake
* 3 to 5 pieces candy
* 2 inch slice of cheesecake
* 3 inch size cookie
* 1/2 cup custard, pudding, or ice cream
* 1 pastry, sweet roll, or donut
* 1 slice of pie (whole pie cut into 8 slices)
Fats: Eat 5 or more servings a day from this list: Items with an asterisk (**) are high in saturated fat. Limit your use of them if you have high blood cholesterol.
* 2 oz. bacon or sausage **
* 1/2 medium avocado
* 1/2 cup nuts (peanuts, almonds or walnuts have less saturated fats)
* 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) butter ** or margarine
* 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) cream cheese ** or non-dairy creamer **
* 4 tablespoons (Tbsp) half and half cream **
* 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) mayonnaise or salad dressing
* 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) peanuts or peanut butter
* 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) sour cream ** or whipping cream **
Other High Calorie Ideas: Try these food ideas to increase your calorie intake:
* Butter, margarine, jam, jelly, or peanut butter on breads, rolls, and muffins
* Cheese and crackers
* Chocolate and other dessert toppings
* Cream cheese and jam on a bagel
* Granola with dried fruit and nuts
* Guacamole or avocado dip made with sour cream, and corn chips
* Jam, jelly, or honey on bread
* Meat and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread with mayonnaise
* Milkshakes to which ice cream, fruit, yogurt, or chocolate has been added
* Miniature candy bars for snacks
* Nuts and seeds added to salads, cookies, breads, and casseroles
* Sauces and gravies on meats, potatoes, or vegetables
* Stir-fried meat, vegetables, and nuts over rice
* Trail mix that has dried fruit, nuts, and candy in it
* Whipped topping on desserts and fruits