Health Tip: Regain Weight the Healthy Way (HealthDay)

(HealthDay News) -- If an illness, surgery or medication has left you needing to regain some weight, experts suggest there's a healthy way to do so.

The American Dietetic Association offers this advice:

Avoid too much junk food. The empty calories may help you add pounds, but won't benefit you nutritionally.If your appetite is lacking, eat five or six small meals a day. Drink fluids before or after meals, rather than during.Add healthier calorie-laden condiments and spreads, such as peanut butter or cheese.Use milk instead of water to cook oatmeal, and add higher-calorie foods such as honey, nuts, dried fruit, margarine or powdered milk after the oatmeal is cooked.Top salads with healthy fats, such as nuts and seeds, olive oil, olives or avocados.Add dry milk powder to dishes such as mashed potatoes or casseroles.Work with a dietitian to create a healthy eating plan to boost weight.