While many foods are high in calories, not all of them are healthy to eat on a regular basis. Candies, cookies and cakes are high calorie, sugar-laden treats that are extremely low in nutrients. They may also be high in fat. Starchy snacks such as potato chips are high in fat and many have large amounts of salt as well. While starchy or sugary high calorie treats are usually fine for many people to eat in moderation, they shouldn't be the focus of eating; rather, if a person is trying to gain weight or muscle, healthy high calorie foods should be chosen from the main groups of protein, dairy, grains, fruits and vegetables.
Avocado is a fruit that is high in calories, but also in nutrients. Although an average size avocado has about 300 calories and 30 grams of fat, it's one of the most healthy high calorie foods since it's a good source of fiber as well as packed with vitamins and minerals. An avocado has almost twice as much potassium as a banana, plus it's fat content is mainly of the monosaturated variety, which is thought to lower harmful cholesterol in the body.
Potatoes also have more calories than other vegetables, as they count as a starch choice. Many people use butter on potatoes which adds additional calories. Butter is a natural dairy food, but is in the fats group and should be used in moderation as it's a saturated fat that may lead to cholesterol problems. Although eating raw fruit is a great way to get dietary fiber, drinking glasses of juice increases calories and vitamins. Rather than a single piece of fruit, it takes many pieces to make a glass of juice, so a large glassful can be a healthy high calorie beverage of 300 calories or more.
Whole wheat pasta and breads are high in calories but rich in fiber and nutrients. Brown rice is nutritious and a healthy high calorie base for meats or vegetables, as it's dense as well as filling. Eggs and meat with some fat marbling are considered to be healthy high calorie choices if eaten in moderation. Salmon is an oily fish that is high in fat and calories, yet packed with omega 3 fatty acids considered essential for good health.
Snacking on high calorie, yet nutrient dense foods is much better than eating cakes, chips and other treats daily. Ice cream is rich in fat and sugar, yet, as a natural dairy food, it's also high in calcium. Other healthy high calorie foods for snacks include nuts and chocolate. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants thought to fight against unhealthy substances in the body such as effects from pollution. Nuts such as walnuts and pecans contain healthy fats and are convenient to carry for quick snacks anywhere.
