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Suggestions for "higher calorie" but still healthy foods.

Charice
Charice Posts: 188 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I need some help with finding some healthy foods that are still higher in calories. I'm not trying to be weird, but here is my problem. I have never counted calories...I have done Weight Watchers for several years...and I have never added back in my exercise calories. I have always tried to keep everything down by eating low cal stuff like fruits, veggies, non-fat yogurt, etc. My problem is that I end up with quite a few calories at the end of the day so I tell myself it is OK to have that candy or go to Taco Bell for dinner because "I have the calories for it". Well, truth be told I would feel better about myself if I was eating healthier foods to fill those calories, but I am just not sure where to look for some healthier choices that are higher in calories...200 or more per serving. Any and all suggestions would be welcome!!

Replies

  • SaraTonin
    SaraTonin Posts: 551 Member
    Plenty of "whole" foods are higher in calories. Think about oatmeal, low fat cottage cheese (great protein!), boiled eggs, all nuts, whole grain sandwiches with some avocado spread, baked potatoes loaded with broccoli and cheese, brown rice, whole grain pastas, YUM!!!
  • drasr
    drasr Posts: 181
    Dry Fruits - Almonds, Cashews, Apricot etc. They are healthy and energy dense i.e. a small amount will provide enough calories.
    Banana though it is a bit high in sugar content. Flax Seed. These are what i normally use.
  • Atlantique
    Atlantique Posts: 2,484 Member
    It's pretty easy to get 200 calories from a serving of nuts or nut butters. Just make sure to read labels so that you get the ones that are only "X nuts" or "X nuts, salt".

    You can also try going back to full-fat or low-fat on some items that you currently purchase in no-fat versions. The fat-free versions of many foods have added sugars and sodium that you don't want anyway, and adding back a little bit of fat will bring the calories up and increase feelings of satiety.

    Adding a protein powder shake is an easy way to get another 200 calories or more. If you need additional calories, try adding frozen berries, oatmeal or nut butters to them. (If I'm having a hard time getting all my calories in, it's easier to drink them sometimes.)

    Another way to get calories in is to simply add 50 calories to every meal and 25 to every snack. You can often do that simply by increasing the portion size very slightly.
  • schninie82
    schninie82 Posts: 502 Member
    i'd go for nuts...
  • Angiebug1969
    Angiebug1969 Posts: 152
    Plenty of "whole" foods are higher in calories. Think about oatmeal, low fat cottage cheese (great protein!), boiled eggs, all nuts, whole grain sandwiches with some avocado spread, baked potatoes loaded with broccoli and cheese, brown rice, whole grain pastas, YUM!!!

    GREAT suggestions!!
  • YPabe
    YPabe Posts: 21 Member
    You can try to re-make Taco Bell's plate with your own healthy ingredients. That's what I do whenever I crave something like that.
  • wewon
    wewon Posts: 838 Member
    Nuts are one of the best items when it comes to calorie boosters that I've seen.
  • up2me2lose20
    up2me2lose20 Posts: 360 Member
    I like a 1/2 C. of healthy granola with some almond milk (like cereal) for about 240 calories. Or cook and semi-mash some black beans and smear them on a corn tortilla, sprinkle with a bit of cheese and place under the broiler until crispy. YUM. Peanut butter on WW toast or on an apple or banana. Almonds (love 'em and eat 'em everyday).

    Everyone had great suggestions! Don't use those last calories of the day to undue what you worked so hard at all day!! Use them wisely! :-D You can do this!
  • Cccaroline
    Cccaroline Posts: 196 Member
    All nuts and seeds are high in calories but really good for you. I especially like walnuts, hazelnuts brazil nuts, cashew nuts, pumpkins seeds and sunflower seeds. They are great as a snack by themselves, on your cereal, or museli, or sprinkled on salad or stir fry. Cheese is good for you in moderation and high in calories
  • Charice
    Charice Posts: 188 Member
    All excellent suggestions! I knew I could count on you all!! I hadn't thought about adding some nuts...they always seemed so taboo, but in moderation and for the right reasons I can see the wisdom in having some on a salad or a quick snack. Thanks!!
  • ekburnet
    ekburnet Posts: 44 Member
    :flowerforyou:
This discussion has been closed.

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