Supporting Good Nutrition and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The Food First approach is designed to help people increase their calorie and protein intake using everyday foods and drinks. It can be helpful if you have a poor appetite, have lost weight unintentionally, have increased nutritional needs, or are recovering from illness or surgery.
What Is Food First?
Food First focuses on making the most of the foods and drinks you already enjoy by increasing their calorie and protein content.
Small changes can make a big difference and may help:
- Improve appetite
- Prevent further weight loss
- Support weight gain
- Improve energy levels
- Support recovery and wound healing
Top Tips To Improve Appetite
Simple changes can help increase your nutritional intake.
Try To:
- Eat small meals every 2–3 hours
- Avoid drinking immediately before meals
- Drink with or after meals instead
- Get some fresh air before eating
- Choose ready meals if cooking feels difficult
- Include nourishing snacks between meals
Eating little and often is often easier than managing large meals.
Food Fortification
Food fortification means adding extra calories and protein to meals without increasing portion sizes.
Foods Commonly Used To Fortify Meals
- Butter and spreads
- Olive oil
- Cheese
- Full-fat milk
- Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Salad cream
- Honey and syrup (where appropriate)
Simple Ways To Fortify Foods
Add To Potatoes and Vegetables
- Butter or spread
- Grated cheese
- Cream
- Olive oil
Add To Soups and Sauces
- Cream
- Full-fat milk
- Cheese
- Butter
Add To Sandwiches
- Mayonnaise
- Cream cheese
- Cheese
- Butter
Add To Desserts
- Cream
- Custard
- Honey
- Syrup
These small additions can significantly increase calorie and protein intake.
Fortified Milk
Fortified milk is an easy way to increase calories and protein.
How To Make Fortified Milk
Mix:
- 1 pint (600ml) full-fat milk
- 4 tablespoons skimmed milk powder
Fortified milk can be used in:
- Tea and coffee
- Breakfast cereals
- Soups
- Sauces
- Custards
- Milkshakes
- Hot chocolate
Nourishing Drinks
If eating feels difficult, nourishing drinks can help increase calorie and protein intake.
Examples include:
- Fortified milk
- Milkshakes
- Hot chocolate
- Malted milk drinks
- Fruit smoothies
- Iced lattes
- Creamy soups
These drinks can be enjoyed between meals to provide extra nutrition.
Nourishing Snack Ideas
Sweet Options
- Full-fat yoghurt
- Rice pudding
- Custard
- Chocolate
- Cakes and pastries
- Malt loaf
- Scones with jam and cream
- Dried fruit and nut mixes
Savoury Options
- Cheese and crackers
- Hummus and biscuits
- Nuts
- Sausage rolls
- Scotch eggs
- Toast with peanut butter
- Beans on toast
- Ham or cheese sandwiches
- Pizza or quiche
Aim to include a nourishing snack between meals and before bed if possible.
Meal Ideas
Breakfast
- Porridge made with fortified milk
- Muesli with yoghurt and fruit
- Toast with peanut butter or cheese spread
- Cooked breakfast with eggs and toast
Light Meals
- Creamy soup with buttered bread
- Ham, cheese or egg sandwiches
- Fish finger sandwiches
- Beans on toast with grated cheese
- Quiche with salad and mayonnaise
Main Meals
- Spaghetti bolognese
- Shepherd’s pie
- Fish pie
- Roast chicken with creamy sauce
- Lasagne topped with cheese
- Meat or fish curry with rice
Desserts
Desserts can provide valuable extra calories and nutrition.
Ideas include:
- Full-fat yoghurt
- Ice cream and fruit
- Rice pudding
- Milk puddings
- Crumbles and custard
- Sponge puddings with cream
Additional Support
If your appetite remains poor or you continue to lose weight, speak to your healthcare professional.
Some people may benefit from:
- Nutritional supplement drinks
- Multivitamin supplements
- Referral to a dietitian for specialist advice
Further Information Available
This webpage provides a summary of the Food First approach.
The full PDF resource includes:
- Detailed food fortification guidance
- Fortified milk recipes
- Nourishing drink recipes
- Meal ideas
- Snack suggestions
- Dessert ideas
- Weight gain support advice
- Food safety guidance
For complete information, recipes, and practical advice, please download the full PDF resource.
