Weight Loss

Weight Loss

HIV infection often causes problems with weight loss. Here is a list of eating hints to help you gain weight:

Increase the number of times you eat each day. If you usually have 2 meals per day, start having 3 meals per day. If you usually have 3 meals per day, start eating 4 or 5 times per day. You may have to plan your meals something like this:
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch Snack, Supper, Snack
Don't count on your appetite. Eat even if you aren't hungry Watch the clock and eat something every 2 to 3 hours, whether you feel like it or not.
Eat more foods that are high in calories and protein, such as milk, cheese, meats, and peanut butter. There are lists of ideas for using these foods later in this section.
Make your snacks count. Eat healthy foods high in calories and protein between meals. See the list of healthy snacks later in this section.
Add extra fat to your food. It can increase calories a lot without your having to eat a larger amount of food.
Add sugar, honey, syrup, brown sugar and other sweet things to your food. Put jams and jellies on breads, toast, rolls, pancakes and waffles. Put sugar or honey in your coffee and tea. Add it to your cereal.
Eat dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, dried apricots, dried apples, dried peaches, figs and dates. These are good by themselves or mixed with nuts for a snack. Add them to hot cereal such as oatmeal and cream of wheat.