Eating well with pulmonary fibrosis: fortifying your food

This is general information, not medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare team about what may be suitable for you.

Unintentional weight loss

Some people will fortify their diet because they are losing weight without meaning to. If you're losing weight without meaning to, please speak to your healthcare team. They can support you in maintaining a healthy weight. Read more about managing unintentional weight loss.

Dairy products

Dairy products can be an easy way to increase both your calorie and protein intake. Always try to have full-fat varieties of products like:

• Grated cheese: Add it to mashed potatoes or vegetables to add extra calories and protein. You could also add it to the top of a ready meal, like cottage pie.
• Milk: Use full-fat milk for drinks like lattes, hot chocolates, Ovaltine or milkshakes. If you choose dairy-free alternatives, soya usually has the best protein content.
• Dried milk powder: Fortify a pint of milk by whisking in four tablespoons of dried milk powder. For a vegan option, add four tablespoons of soya powder to one pint of soya milk. You can use this fortified milk to make the milky drinks above, have it on cereal, or use it to make porridge or custard. Milk powder can also be used in savoury dishes, where it adds both calories and flavour.
• Milk-based puddings: Ice cream, cream, custard, rice pudding and semolina can all provide extra calories and/or protein.
• Greek yogurt: A good source of extra protein and calories, Greek yogurt makes a great snack or dessert. Some people enjoy it with granola and honey.

Coconut

Coconut can be an excellent way to add both flavour and calories to your meals.

• Coconut milk or cream: Add to stews, curries, soups or smoothies for a rich, creamy texture. It works particularly well in dishes like Thai curry, dal or Caribbean stews.
• Grated coconut: Use it as a topping for rice dishes. Or sprinkle it on fruit salads and desserts, like kheer (Indian rice pudding).
• Coconut oil: This calorie-dense oil is perfect for cooking. Use it in pancakes, flatbreads or sautéed vegetables without altering the dish's flavour profile.

Oils and butter

Adding calorie-dense fats can be an effective way to increase your calorie intake.

• Olive oil: A healthy fat that can be used as a salad dressing or a dip for bread. Also try drizzled over vegetables or pasta, or used in cooked dishes.
• Palm oil: A staple in many traditional recipes, palm oil can enhance the flavour and calorie content of dishes such as egusi soup or peanut stew. It's also great in fried rice or pilaf.
• Butter: A classic choice that adds richness to vegetables or potatoes.

Nuts

Nuts are a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats.

• Nut butters: Different types are available, including peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter. You can spread on toast, blend into smoothies, or use them in satay sauces for Thai or Indonesian dishes.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle groundnuts (peanuts), almonds, cashews or pistachios onto rice dishes, stews, salads, porridge or desserts.

Dried fruits

Dates, raisins, figs and apricots are excellent additions to breakfast, smoothies, yogurts, stews or rice dishes.

Avocado

Avocado can be a tasty way to add nutrients and calories to your diet. Try adding sliced or mashed avocado to your meals.

Dressings and condiments

Dressings can significantly enhance the taste and nutritional value of your meals.

• Mayonnaise and salad cream: Ideal for adding creaminess and calories to sandwiches and salads.
• Salad dressings: Experiment with different dressings to increase calories and flavour in your meals.
• Coleslaw: A delicious way to fortify salads or sandwiches.

Legumes

Lentils and beans are excellent sources of protein and fibre.

• Lentils (dal): Add lentils to soups and stews for a hearty meal.
• Beans: Incorporate chickpeas into spinach curries or black beans into tacos and soups for added nutrition.
• Chickpea flour (also known as gram flour): This is a nutritious ingredient that can enhance your meals. Use it in fritters, savoury pancakes or breads for a protein boost.

Smart snacking

If you find it difficult to finish larger meals, consider different snacks.

Sweet snack ideas

• A trail mix made with dried fruit, seeds and nuts
• Mochi
• Gulab jamun
• Barfi
• Drożdżówki
• Egg tart
• Moin Moin
• Yogurt – try adding honey, seeds or fruit

Savoury snack ideas

• Hummus or guacamole and bread
• Sushi
• Kofta
• Falafel
• Scotch eggs or pork pies
• Tirpitakia
• Pakora
• Dumplings
• Samosa
• Cheese and crackers  

Or try smaller portions of your usual meals.

Further support and information

Read more

• Eating well with PF
• Eating well with PF: eating on a budget
• Eating well with PF: end of life
• Nutrition charity BAPEN has advice on enriching food
• The British Dietetic Association has a ‘Creating a fortified diet’ recipe book

Talk to someone

The APF Support Line is here for anyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis - whether you have the condition yourself, or you're a carer, friend or family member. If you need support or have questions, call us on 01223 785725. You're not alone with pulmonary fibrosis.