Protein is one of the main nutrients needed by the
body for growth, replacement of tissues and the maintenance
of muscle. The minimum daily amount you require depends
on your size, rate of growth and general state of
health. This amount increases during certain periods
of growth, eg at infancy, when recovering from burns,
during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Who Would Need
A High Protein Diet?
Patients who often require high protein diets include
those who are undernourished, underweight and those
recovering from open wounds either from injury or surgery.
Foods High In
Protein
Animal Sources
Meat
Fish
Poultry
Eggs
Milk and dairy products
Plant Sources
Bean and bean products, eg. soya milk, tofu,
nuts, lentils
Cereals
Suitable supplementary drinks
Choosing The Right
Protein
Try to choose foods that will provide the best quality
protein, especially those from animal sources which
are more readily absorbed.
Guidelines For
A High Protein Diet
Eat a well-balanced meal that includes variety
regularly.
For variety, choose protein foods from both animal
and plant sources.
Have a more generous helping of protein-rich food
at each meal.
Include some low fat protein food as a snack eg.
low fat yoghurt.
Try to have milk-based drinks in place of your
usual tea/coffee.
Where possible, exercise regularly to keep fit.
Other Considerations
While it is important to increase protein and calorie
intake to overcome undernutrition or to promote healing,
it is also essential that your diet is balanced and
healthy.
Eat at least two or three servings of fruits and
vegetables each daily.
Remove skin and fat from meat. Have oily or fried
foods only as occasional treats.
Avoid very salty foods.
Where possible, eat wholegrain foods to increase
fibre intake.
Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid a
day.
Daily Meal Plan
Breakfast:
Fruit juice (optional)
Bread with margarine OR cereal OR porridge
1 egg or substitute protein
Tea / coffee OR glass of milk
Lunch/Dinner:
Soup
Rice / noodles / potatoes / chappati
Lean meat / fish / poultry / beans
Vegetables
Fruit / milk-based dessert
Mid-morning:
1 glass of milk OR supplementary drink OR low fat
yogurt
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2 Simei Street 3, Republic of Singapore 529889
Tel: (65) 6788 8833 Fax: (65) 6788 0933 Reg No 198904226R
