Each individual’s calorie and protein requirements will vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, gender, body weight, and activity level. The current recommended daily allowance for protein for most adults is 46 to 56 grams per day. It is important to discuss your individual calorie and protein needs with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian. With some cancers, the metabolic processes can cause a situation known as hypermetabolism that affects how the body uses proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. With hypermetabolism you may need to increase your calorie and protein intake. Discuss this with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
Listed below are some suggestions for adding calories and protein to your meals and snacks:
Add butter or margarine (30 calories per teaspoon) to puddings, casseroles, sandwiches, vegetables, cooked cereal, breads, and pasta.
Add wheat germ (25 calories and 2 grams protein per tablespoon) to:
Hot cereals
Meat dishes, cookie batter, and casseroles
Add mayonnaise or salad dressing (35 calories per teaspoon) liberally to sandwiches, salads, and as a dip for raw vegetables or sauce on cooked vegetables.
Add evaporated milk (25 calories and 1 gram protein per tablespoon) in place of whole milk in desserts, baked goods, meat dishes, and cooked cereal. This can be added to most foods without drastically changing their flavor.
Add sour cream (26 calories per tablespoon) to:
Potatoes, casseroles, and dips
Sauces and baked goods
Add sweetened condensed milk (60 calories and 1 gram protein per tablespoon) to:
Pies, puddings, and milkshakes
1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and spread on toast
Add gravies (20 calories per tablespoon) liberally on mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, and meats.
Ask your healthcare provider about adding nutritional supplement drinks between meals.
The following snack ideas can be eaten as a meal or in addition to meals.
Cheese toast
1 oz. cheese
1 slice toast
175
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich with milk
2 slices bread
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon jelly
8 oz. whole milk
555
Bagel with cream cheese, jelly, and juice
1 large bagel
1 oz. cream cheese
12 oz. apple juice
650
Cheese pizza
1 slice of cheese pizza
300
Egg and cheese on an English muffin
1 egg
1 English muffin
320
Yogurt smoothie
8 oz. yogurt
1/2 c. Half & Half
1 c. frozen strawberries
390
Peanut butter and banana on toast
1 banana
365
Chili cheese fries
1 c. French fries
3 1/2 oz. chili
2 1/2 oz. melted cheese
520
Nachos with beans and cheese
1 oz. tortilla chips
1/2 c. refried beans
Salsa to taste
560
Trail mix
1 cup toasted corn cereal
12 almonds
2 tablespoons peanuts
1/3 c. raisins
1/4 c. chocolate chips
Tuna salad on crackers
1/2 cup tuna salad
5 crackers
Granola bar and yogurt
8 oz. fruit-flavored yogurt
2 granola bars
430