Table 4. Nutritional tips for weight restoration.

Food tips	Behavioral tips for food intake
Limit non-calorie beverages such as water, coffee, tea, and diet soda. Avoid non-fat, low-fat, diet items	Schedule 4–6 small, frequent meals/snacks daily
Add drinks that have higher content of calories and/or protein: milk, non-citrus juice. Blend homemade, high-calorie smoothies with added protein powder	Rely on family and friends to prepare meals or frozen, restaurant and take-out foods as needed
Eat more calories per meal with higher calorie but nutritious foods, aiming for ~500 calories per meal. Examples of high-calorie, healthy foods: avocados, canned tuna, cottage cheese, dried fruits, unsweetened yogurt, nuts, nut butters (peanut or almond), seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil, canola oil, and fish fat	Ask your doctor about ways to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which can negatively impact appetite
Choose regular, high-calorie snacks. Aim for 250 calories per snack	If experiencing a metallic taste, try using wooden utensils instead of metal
Calorie boosters: item [calories]	If your sense of taste is diminished, try adding spices and condiments to foods to make them more appealing. Sweet additives like maple syrup stimulate the palate. Fats like olive oil enhance flavor Try light exercise, such as a 20-minute walk, about an hour before meals to stimulate your appetite. Consult your physician before starting an exercise program Meet with an RD for additional advice on meal planning and for individualized recommendations Consider recording everything you eat and drink for a three-day period to assess opportunities for improving your caloric intake. This journal can also be reviewed with your physician or dietitian
1 cup whole milk [150]
1 cup apple juice [125]
1 avocado [210]
1/4 cup granola [130]
1/4 cup nuts [200]
1 Tbsp. nut butter [peanut, almond] [90]
1 Tbsp. olive oil [120]
1/4 cup raisins [100]

RD, registered dietitian; Tbsp., tablespoon.