The low-fat, high-calorie diet follows the Dietary Guidelines for Americans generated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This eating plan limits the amount of saturated and trans fat in the diet. Because fats are limited and calories only come from fat, carbohydrate, and protein, the amount of carbohydrate and protein must be increased on a low-fat, high calorie diet. As long as the food choices are well-balanced, this diet will meet all of the nutritional needs for healthy adult males and females.
Appropriate Populations
While most adults with high cholesterol levels are also overweight, there are some individuals who have high cholesterol, but are extremely active and maintain a healthy or below-normal body weight. These individuals have high caloric needs but because they also have cholesterol issues, a low-fat, high-calorie diet may be prescribed. In addition, adults and children who undergo gallbladder surgery must follow a post-surgical diet that is both low in fat and high in calories.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of following a low-fat, high-calorie diet are numerous. First, a low-fat diet that is specifically low in saturated and trans fats will lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and other heart-related conditions. A high-calorie diet that contains large amounts of carbohydrate and protein will enable you to meet or exceed your energy and nutrient needs while also providing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Types of Low-Fat, High-Calorie Foods
Low-fat, high-calorie foods can come from a variety of food groups. Among fruits, dried fruits and fruit juices have the highest calorie content and also contain no fat. Corn, peas, potatoes are starch and calorie-rich vegetables which fit into the low-fat, high-calorie diet. Grains such brown rice and whole wheat noodles are both low in fat, but they still contain about 80 calories for every 1/3 cup serving size. Condiments and sauce that are high in sugar and low in fat, like brown sugar, jam, and honey, are great fat-free, high-calorie additions to your meals.
Meal Ideas
If you are following the low-fat, high-calorie diet, have a large bowl of cooked oatmeal made with skim milk, brown sugar, and canned peaches in syrup for breakfast. At lunch, go for a big plate of pasta and tomato sauce. Add lean ground beef to the tomato sauce in order to give it some protein, and have a side salad with mixed vegetables and low-fat vinaigrette dressing to add fiber and antioxidants. Dinner could consist of baked fish with a mango salsa, sweet potatoes, corn, and green peas.
Beverages
Beverages can also contribute to your caloric intake on the low-fat, high calorie diet. To increase calories between meals, try to consume beverages such as hot tea with honey, fresh fruit juice, sports drinks, or skim milk. Be sure to avoid specialty coffee drinks and ice cream-based shakes because of their high fat content.
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