High-Protein/High-Calorie Diet

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Although we seem to spend most of our time avoiding calories and fats, there are times when the body needs more than the usual supply. After an illness or surgery, when healing and recovery are the most important concern, your doctor may recommend a diet that's high in protein, calories, and calorie-rich fats.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

From the list below, choose the foods you enjoy the most. If you find you can't finish, try eating 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day, rather than 3 big ones. Keep snack foods around to eat whenever you feel hungry.

HIGH-PROTEIN MILK and DAIRY ITEMS

(Eat 4 to 5 servings a day from this list.)

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 cup Instant Breakfast®
• 1 cup milkshake
• 2 tablespoons non-dairy creamer
• 5 heaping teaspoons powdered milk added to baked goods, milkshakes, or regular milk
• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 cup whole milk

HIGH-PROTEIN MEATS and MEAT SUBSTITUTES

(Eat 3 to 5 servings a day from this list.)

• 3 ounces beef, pork, chicken, or turkey with extra gravy or sauce
• 1 to 2 ounces cheese
• 3 ounces meat (chopped or cut in small cubes) added to casseroles, soups, stews, salads, or pizza
• 3 ounces tuna, shrimp, or white fish, fried or added to salads
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 large or 2 medium eggs added to cakes, salads, casseroles, desserts, or breads

HIGH-CALORIE BREADS and STARCHES

(Eat 6 to 11 servings a day from this list.)

• 3 inch (7.62 cm) size buttermilk biscuit
• 2 handfuls of potato chips or other snack chips
• 1 medium croissant
• 3 inch (7.62 cm) size muffin
• 6 inch (15.24 cm) size pancake or waffle
• 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick slice quick bread, such as banana bread or zucchini bread
• 1 slice whole grain bread

FRUITS

(Eat 2 to 4 servings a day from this list.)

• 1/4 cup dried fruit
• 1/2 cup canned fruit in syrup
• 1 cup fruit juice

VEGETABLES

(Eat 2 to 4 servings a day from this list.)

• 1 cup vegetables mixed with added cheeses or sauces
• 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

HIGH-CALORIE DESSERTS

(Eat 1 to 3 servings a day from this list.)

• 3 to 5 pieces wrapped candy
• 1 piece of pastry such as a sweet roll
• 2-inch pie-shaped slice or 3-inch square piece of cake
• 3-inch size cookie
• 1/2 cup custard
• 1/2 cup ice cream
• 1 slice of pie (whole pie cut into 8 slices)
• 1/2 cup pudding

FATS

(Eat 5 or more servings a day from this list.)

• 1 avocado
• 1/3 cup nuts
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons half and half
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons peanuts or peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 4 tablespoons whipping cream

OTHER HIGH CALORIE IDEAS

• Cheese and crackers
• Chocolate and other dessert toppings
• Granola with dried fruit and nuts
• Milkshakes to which ice cream, fruit, yogurt, or chocolate has been added
• Jam, jelly, or honey on bread
• Sauces and gravies on meats, potatoes, or vegetables
• Trail mix with dried fruit, nuts, and candy
• Whipped topping on desserts and fruits