According to the World Health Organization, one of the most important things an HIV-friendly diet must contain is high energy food. In fact, people who are HIV positive but have no symptoms should increase their calorie intake by 10 percent in order to maintain weight. People who have symptoms or have developed AIDS need an increase of up to 30 percent in order to avoid weight loss.
Step 1
Consume foods high in B, C and E vitamins. These include green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains. According to the WHO, low intake of these nutrients might accelerate the progress of HIV and increase mortality. If you can't or don't consume some of these vitamins from your diet, you might need a supplement. Talk to your doctor to ensure you're getting enough of these nutrients.
Step 2
Eat more starches. Whole grains, starchy vegetables such as potatoes and yams, fruits and beans all contain carbohydrates. Since carbs provide energy, eating more of them will help you keep your energy up.
Step 3
Eat minced meat, fish and chicken, as these are the easiest proteins to digest. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, HIV makes food absorption more difficult, so it's important that you make it as easy as possible for your body to digest your meals. Eggs and liver meat are also good choices.
Step 4
Eat more fats. Choose healthy fats, such as vegetable fats, avocados, seeds and nuts. The FAO recommends using more fats and oils when you cook and adding full-fat dairy products to your diet. Don't stop at cheese and milk and instead also add buttermilk, heavy cream and yoghurt. Try adding dry milk powder to your coffee, cereals and mashed potatoes.
Step 5
Snack on high calorie foods such as nuts, peanut butter, dried fruit and seeds. FAO also recommends cassava chips, honey and syrups and cereals and sauces to add more calories to your diet in between meals.
