When you have HIV, nutrition is not something to take for granted. According to AVERT, the HIV disease process can be precipitated by poor nutrition. Eating a healthy diet is an important part of the HIV treatment. Discuss your nutrition regimen with your doctor or dietitian to make sure your nutritional intake is appropriate for your individual condition.
Step 1
Eat more calories than is recommended for a healthy person your size. According to AVERT, people with HIV burn more calories faster, and their caloric intake should be 10 percent more than a person their size without HIV. Tufts University recommends 17 to 20 calories per 1 lb. of body weight.
Step 2
Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day, instead of eating large meals. If you are on HIV medications, you may have gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or loss of appetite. Eating smaller meals and snacks can help to ensure your nutritional intake is sufficient.
Step 3
Avoid having empty calories. Make every meal and snack count by having healthy food. Make sure your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Step 4
Weigh yourself every week. Talk to your doctor if you have difficulty maintaining your weight, you are losing weight, or you have a poor appetite. Depending on your condition, your doctor may order medications to help stimulate your appetite, or change your anti-retroviral medications accordingly. If you lose more than 10 percent of your weight in a period of one month or less, this is considered serious weight loss.
Step 5
Consume and adequate amount of protein daily. According to Tufts University, men with HIV should have about 100 to 150 g per day while women with HIV should have 80 to 100 g per day. Make sure you have lean protein sources, such as tofu, chicken, beans and legumes.
Step 6
Take supplements or herbal remedies only after getting them approved by your doctor. Since supplements and herbs can interact with HIV medications, it is important that your doctor determine they are appropriate for you.
Step 7
Stay away from foods high in saturated fats. These include fried foods, fatty meats and whole milk and dairy products.
Step 8
Prepare and store foods safely. Make sure that meats, fishes and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Do not cross contaminate surfaces when cooking. Make sure that fruits and vegetables are washed appropriately. Preparing and storing foods safely can help to prevent food-borne illnesses.
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