Looking to bulk up your athletic game with some high-calorie, low-carb foods? Here are some calorie-dense offerings that can help you stay full and energized.
Our List
- Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
- Avocados
- Oily fish (trout, tilapia, salmon, tuna, etc.)
- Cheese
- Meats (beef jerky, bacon, steak, etc.)
- Eggs
How these foods can help you
Energy Boost
The fats and proteins in calorie-dense options such as bacon or beef jerky are easily digestible and can make sure your energy levels stay where they need to be—especially for athletes or other individuals who are particularly physically active and need more calories on a day-to-day basis.
Plus, a touch of these calorie-dense champs can make you feel like you’ve had a feast. Adding a little healthy fat or some nuts to your meal can make you feel fuller and reduce overall food consumption. They’re secret weapons for keeping your appetite in check.
Nutrient Absorption
Some nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, play hard to get. They need fats as wingmen to be absorbed efficiently. Calorie-dense foods can enhance the bioavailability of these essential vitamins. In other words, adding a bit of healthy fat to your salad, for instance, can improve your body’s ability to absorb the nutrients from all those healthy greens.
Bulking Up or Gaining Weight
For those looking to gain muscle or add a few pounds, calorie-dense foods are the ticket. Athletes, gym enthusiasts, and anyone with a super-fast metabolism can use these foods to increase their daily calorie intake without sacrificing nutrition. Drop a spoonful of nut butter into your protein shake or snack on an avocado for a tasty, calorie-packed treat.
Special Diets and Dietary Needs
Individuals with specific dietary needs, such as those with medical conditions or restricted diets, can benefit from calorie-dense foods. For instance, people with cystic fibrosis or malabsorption disorders often need to consume more calories in a smaller volume of food because their bodies struggle to absorb nutrients.
In such cases, calorie-dense options, such as nutritional shakes, fish, or avocados, can be a lifeline.
Grab-And-Go
Calorie-dense foods are convenient for on-the-go lifestyles, travel, or last-minute meal planning. Whether you’re on the move or on the road, calorie-dense snacks are your BFF.
Because they pack more calories in a more compact food, they can be easily packed for a quick and satisfying snack. For travelers, hikers, or those who don’t have immediate access to balanced meals, calorie-dense snacks such as bars or beef jerky can be what is needed to stay nourished.
In Conclusion
While there are various situations where calorie-dense foods prove beneficial, don’t forget the importance of moderation and balance. Overdoing these types of meal options can lead to weight gain and health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
To make the most of calorie-dense foods, incorporate them strategically into a balanced diet. Ensure that they complement nutrient-dense choices, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
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