High-Calorie and High-Protein Diet: Care Instructions

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Overview

A high-calorie, high-protein diet gives you more energy and extra nutrition to help your body heal. Your doctor and dietitian can help you design a diet based on your health and what you prefer to eat. Always talk with your doctor or dietitian before you make changes in your diet.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Eat three meals a day, plus snacks in between and at bedtime.
  • Include favorite foods in your meals. This will help make meals more pleasant.
  • Drink your beverage at the end of the meal, because drinking before or during the meal can fill you up.
  • Eat high-protein foods, such as:
    • Meat, fish, and poultry.
    • Milk and milk products. Add powdered milk to other foods (such as pudding or soups) to boost the protein.
    • Eggs.
    • Cooked dried beans and peas.
    • Peanut butter, nuts, and seeds.
    • Tofu.
    • Cheeses.
    • Protein bars.
  • Eat high-calorie foods, such as:
    • Butter, honey, and brown sugar, added to foods to make them taste better.
    • Oils, sauces, and gravies.
    • Peanut butter.
    • Whole milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
    • Granola cereal with fruit and granola bars.
    • Muffins, pancakes, waffles, and other breads.
    • Milkshakes, puddings, and custard.
  • Try a liquid meal replacement, such as Ensure, Boost, or instant breakfast drinks, if you have trouble eating solid foods. They will give you both calories and protein. Soups and smoothies also are good sources of nutrition.
  • Keep snacks around that are easy to eat, such as pudding, energy bars, ice cream, and flavored ice pops.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter W855 in the search box to learn more about "High-Calorie and High-Protein Diet: Care Instructions".

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.