Suggestions for Increasing Calories and Protein

Suggestions for Increasing Calories and Protein include:

• Several small meals a day are easier to eat and digest than three large ones. Space meals about 2 to 3 hours apart to maximize comfort.
• Stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bed and sleep with your head elevated if gastric reflux (GERD) and heartburn are problems.
• Do not eat your favorite foods if you are feeling bad. Save them for when you feel good!
• Eat breakfast-type foods at any meal. Eggs are usually easy to eat and are great any time of the day. (The same goes for pancakes and waffles.)
• Eat when you feel hungry. Most people have the greatest appetite in the morning because they have not eaten all night. If this is the best meal for you, then pile on those calories and other nutrients in the morning and at lunch. Then you can have a smaller dinner without losing total calories for the day.
• Eat leftovers or nutritious snacks in the afternoon and early evening to round out your day.
• Try homemade or commercially prepared nutrition bars and puddings, as well as calorie and protein-rich liquid nutritional supplements.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Talk to your doctor about physical activity. Light or moderate physical activity can help maintain muscle and promote an appetite. Walking in the neighborhood or the local mall is a great way to get up, get out, and get moving. If you are unsteady on your feet, try walking around the dining room table.

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