High calorie diets are frequently used for those suffering chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV and AIDS, notes Drugs.com. Healthy adult and adolescent athletes can use high calorie diets, as can people after surgery or trauma to assist healing. Calories are the source of energy required to grow, build muscle and heal. Before packing on the pounds consider the food sources for this diet, which are usually high in fats, and choose healthy calorie dense foods as opposed to empty calories such as junk foods and candy bars. Discuss any weight management plan with a doctor, as high calorie diets are usually high fat and bad for people with cardiovascular disease.
Proteins
Protein comes from various sources in high calorie diets. According to Gainingweight.info, proteins and carbohydrates should be the mainstay of a high calorie diet. Using the rule of thumb from Runnersworld.com, if 100 extra calories will build 10 pounds a year, discuss the final weight goal with the doctor and build a protein plan to achieve that goal. A source of pure protein, just 2 tbsp. of peanut butter contains 500 extra calories according to Gainingweight.info. Adding dry, powdered milk to whole fat milk will boost calories and protein.. Eggs and cheeses are natural proteins, but watch the cholesterol intake with egg yolks.
Carbohydrates
The second part of a high calorie diet involves boosting the daily carbohydrate intake. Simple carbohydrates, such as pasta, breads and starchy vegetables are easily broken down into sugar and are a natural source of high calories. According to Gainingweight.info, one serving of pasta contains between 800 to 1,000 calories. Minimize vegetables and maximize fruits; fruits are easier to break down into sugars whereas vegetables require energy, or caloric burning, to break down into usable products. Fruit juices are usually ripe with healthy calories, as one serving of orange juice has 160 calories per Gainingweight.info.
Supplements and Fats
Whole dairy and any whole dairy products like ice cream are high calorie foods. Supplement bars are packed with calories and can be consumed between meals for a snack. The Columbia University Medical Center encourages aiming for at least six meals a day, supplemented with snacks throughout the downtime. Protein shakes, such as the whey protein, provide healthy calories in between meal times. An inexpensive alternative is to use instant breakfast powder preparations and prepare them with whole milk, adding in some dry milk powder for extra calories, fat and proteins.
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