Last updated: May 2026
Next review: May 2028
Food First Advice
Easy read information from Diabetes and Nutrition Services
This advice is designed to help people who have lost weight, have a poor appetite, or need extra calories and protein to support their health and recovery. Based on the Diabetes and Nutrition Services easy read guidance.
What Is Food First Advice?
Food first advice focuses on increasing calories and protein through everyday foods before using nutritional supplements.
Small changes to meals and snacks can help improve energy levels, maintain weight, and support recovery.
This approach may be recommended if you:
- Have lost weight recently
- Have a poor appetite
- Feel tired and struggle to prepare meals
- Need extra calories and protein
Helpful Daily Advice
There are several simple ways to increase calories and protein during the day.
Try To:
- Choose full-fat foods where possible
- Eat three small meals and three snacks each day
- Use ready meals or frozen meals if you feel tired
- Get some fresh air before meals to help improve appetite
Adding Extra Goodness To Foods
You can make everyday meals higher in calories and protein by adding extra ingredients to foods you already enjoy.
Dried Fruit and Nuts
Dried fruit and nuts can help increase calories and provide additional energy.
They can be added to:
- Breakfast cereals
- Full-fat yoghurt
- Rice pudding
- Custard
- Other desserts and puddings
Nut Butters
Nut butters such as peanut, almond, and cashew butter are high in calories and protein.
They can be:
- Added to porridge
- Spread thickly on toast
- Added to crumpets
- Spread onto crackers
Cheese
Grated cheese is an easy way to add extra calories and protein to meals.
Cheese can be:
- Added to pasta dishes
- Added to soups and casseroles
- Mixed into mashed potato
- Added to omelettes
- Used on beans on toast
Butter or Spread
Butter and spreads can help increase calories without making meals larger.
Butter or spread can be:
- Spread thickly onto toast or crackers
- Added to vegetables
- Mixed into mashed potato
Cream
Cream can increase both calories and richness in foods and drinks.
Cream can be:
- Added to soups and sauces
- Mixed into mashed potato
- Added to puddings and fruit
- Added to coffee and milkshakes
Full-Fat Milk
Using full-fat milk can help increase calorie intake throughout the day.
Full-fat milk can be used in:
- Milky coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Malted drinks
- Milkshakes
Mayonnaise and Oils
Full-fat mayonnaise can be added to:
- Sandwiches
- Pasta dishes
- Soups
- Vegetables
- Roast potatoes
- Main meals
Oils such as olive or sunflower oil can be:
- Added to cooking
- Mixed into meals
- Added to vegetables and pasta dishes
Sweet Additions
Honey or golden syrup can help increase calories in snacks and meals.
They can be added to:
- Porridge
- Yoghurts
- Fruit
Helpful Tips
- Eat little and often throughout the day
- Keep easy snacks nearby
- Use nourishing drinks if meals feel difficult
- Try not to skip meals
- Continue drinking fluids regularly
Need Further Advice?
If you are struggling with weight loss or poor appetite, please contact your Dietitian or Healthcare Professional for further support.
Telephone: 0300 124 5300
Email: sirona.hello@nhs.net
Website: sirona-cic.org.uk
Download Printable Guidance
You can also request the original easy read Food First Advice leaflet in alternative formats and languages if needed.
