Your weight may go up and down if you have HIV. When you have a cold, the flu, or other serious infection, you may not feel hungry or be able to eat. Sometimes your medicines can upset your stomach or cause diarrhea. You may feel drained and tired. You can lose strength as you lose weight.
Here are some things you can do to gain back weight and strength:
- Snack on foods that are high in protein and calories, including:
- Peanut butter
- Cheese
- Pudding
- Nuts
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Ice cream
- Yogurt and cottage cheese
- Nutritional supplement drinks
- Mix high-calorie, high-protein foods with other foods:
- Eat cheese on toast or with crackers. Add grated cheese to baked potatoes, meat, or vegetables
- Use milk in place of water to make hot cereals or cream soups
- Add meats and beans to soups and salads
- Sprinkle seeds or nuts on fruit, ice cream, or pudding
- Spread peanut butter on apple or banana slices
- Eat foods you like when you feel like eating them. If you like breakfast foods, go ahead and eat them for dinner
- If you don’t feel very hungry, try to eat very small meals or snacks all through the day
- Keep water and some food close by if you are sick in bed. That way they are always there in case you get hungry or thirsty
Team up with your healthcare provider to find more ways to help you eat the foods you need to stay healthy.
Next >> Staying active
