High-Energy and High-Protein Diet

Nutritional approach

In some situations, your body's energy and protein requirements may be higher than usual:

• During certain illnesses
• Following an infection, an injury, or surgery
• When you're eating less due to a lack of appetite

In these circumstances, it's extremely important to choose foods that pack a lot of energy, even in small portions, to prevent malnutrition, significant weight loss, and weakness.

Your body needs energy to function properly, and foods that are high in protein, carbohydrates, and fats provide the resources you need to stay active.

Proteins play an essential role in the following:

• Supplying the body with energy
• Building, repairing, and maintaining muscle and tissue
• Healing wounds
• Stimulating the immune system

Adopt these helpful habits:

• Eat when you have the biggest appetite
• Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day
• Drink less during meals to avoid getting full too quickly
• Make sure to stay hydrated at all times
• Eat foods you enjoy
• Season your meals to enhance their flavour
• Prepare simple dishes in advance that can be stored in the freezer, or buy ready-made meals

Increase your protein and energy intake:

• Opt for regular milk, high-protein milk, plant-based beverages, smoothies, or yogurt at breakfast time
• Choose whole milk (3.25% fat) instead of partly skimmed milk (2%, 1%, or 0% fat)
• Choose yogurts containing at least 3% fat and cheeses with high fat content
• Make cream-based soups and add cream to your coffee, tea, and other beverages
• Add powdered milk to oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soups, cream sauces, and puddings
• Top your Greek yogurt or high-protein oatmeal with nuts, fresh or dried fruit, or grains
• Fill a quarter of your plate with high-protein foods like tofu, meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, or eggs
• Eat legumes prepared in different ways (e.g., roasted soybeans or chickpeas, legume salad)
• Add different sauces to your meat and fish dishes
• Add cheese, butter or margarine, or sauce to your vegetables
• Add croutons, crackers, eggs, avocado, or cheese to your soups and/or salads
• Choose nutritious snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, yogurt topped with fruit and nuts, a muffin with cheese slices, or a peanut butter sandwich
• Drink milk and fruit or vegetable juices rather than tea or coffee

Complement your meals with energy- and protein-rich nutritional shakes and puddings (homemade or store-bought).

Make sure to eat protein-rich foods at every meal. Eating at regular intervals throughout the day ensures better absorption and helps regulate your appetite.

Always watch your diet: