Tips to Increase Calories and Protein

HELPFUL HINTS: 

• Eat at least 5 to 6 times per day (every 2-3 hours). 

• Add protein with each meal and snack. 

• Have a bedtime snack – it should include protein and carbohydrates. 

• Use protein drinks (Boost, Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast, etc.) to increase calories and protein. 

ADDING CALORIES: 

• Add low salt butter or margarine to pasta, veggies, potatoes, rice, bread, and hot cereals.

• Add cream cheese or sour cream to soups or casseroles.

• Add oil and flavored vinegar or blend mayo and plain yogurt together to add to foods.

• Add cream or half and half in place of water/milk in recipes.

• Sugar, honey, jam, and jelly can be used. Be careful if you have diabetes; make sure to check your blood sugar often.

• Add whipped cream to desserts, gelatin, fruit, and cooked puddings. 

TIPS FOR ADDING CALORIES & PROTEIN:

• Add hard boiled eggs to meals or eat them as a snack.

• Add low-sodium cheese (mozzarella, Swiss, etc.) to salads, cooked veggies, and pasta.

• Add dried milk powder to sauces, gravies, casseroles, and meat loaf.

  • Also add liquid milk to increase protein.

• Sprinkle no salt nuts or seeds on cereal, ice cream, yogurt, salads, and fruit.

  • Add no salt nuts to muffins, pancakes, and cookies.

• Spread no salt nut butter on crackers, bread, fruit, and celery.

• Try ice cream, yogurt, non-instant pudding, custard, tapioca and milkshakes for snacks or dessert.

• Make milkshakes with ice cream and protein powder, dried milk powder, instant breakfast powder or fruit.

• For a fast meal or snack, choose frozen dinners with less than 600mg of sodium like Healthy Choice. 

ADDING PROTEIN WITHOUT ADDING A LOT OF CALORIES:

• Use low-fat, fat-free, and sugar-free dairy products.

• Choose low-fat sources of protein like lean ground beef (at least 90% lean), sirloin, chicken breast with no skin, tuna packed in water, egg whites and beans made without extra salt.

IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD SUGAR OR DIABETES:

• If your blood sugar is too high, you may not be able to gain weight even if you are eating well. 

• Watch how many carbohydrates are in the foods you are adding for protein or additional calories.

  • You may use sugar-free options if needed. 

• Proteins and fats may be used more often since they do not have the same effect on blood sugar as carbohydrates.