Therapeutic diet
High-protein, high-energy diet
Rebuild muscle and stop weight loss during illness, treatment or recovery.
Cancer treatmentAfter surgeryMalnutritionFrailtyPressure soresDialysis
Principles
- Protein at every eating occasion, including snacks
- Fortify food rather than increasing the volume on the plate
- Eat by the clock — every two to three hours
- Nourishing drinks between meals, not with them
Include
- Eggs, fish, chicken, meat, dairy, tofu, beans, groundnuts
- Full-fat milk, cream, cheese, butter, oil, milk powder
- Milkshakes, smoothies and malted drinks
- Nut butters, honey and jam added to food
Avoid or limit
- Low-fat and diet products
- Filling up on tea, water or clear soup before meals
- Very large portions that put you off before you start
A sample day
- BreakfastPorridge with full-fat milk, cream and honey
- Mid-morningFortified milkshake
- LunchCreamy soup with grated cheese, buttered bread
- AfternoonCustard or cheese and crackers
- DinnerMince in gravy, buttery mash, soft vegetables
- BedtimeMilky drink or ice cream
Cautions
- · In kidney or liver disease, protein targets are individual — check before increasing.
- · If diabetic, fortify with fat and protein rather than sugar where possible.
Afya Companion offers education and self-help support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your doctor, nurse, psychologist or dietitian. If something in your health changes, speak to your care team.