People with cystic fibrosis are unable to absorb enough fats and proteins, causing vitamin deficiency and malnutrition. Since they find it difficult to gain weight, the food should at least provide enough calories. Apart from following a pattern of regular meals, quick meals or snacks can help maintain energy levels. These meals are easy to prepare when elaborate cooking is tiresome. There are foods available at stores and are great to bridge the gap. Some of these meals also help satiate your hunger pangs.

What to stock to make these quick meals
Remember to stock your pantry with items that can help you to make a quick meal for yourself. Most of these ingredients are easy to make and take little preparation time. These meals are great for cystic fibrosis as well.

• Tinned meat like ham, beef, stew and curry, tinned fish like tuna, mackerel and sardines, tinned vegetables like baked beans, sweet corn and tomatoes, and tinned soups
• Sauces, sauce mixes, and herbs
• Oils like olive oil, rapeseed oil, and vegetable oil
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Chocolates, sweets, and chocolate spread
• Jam, honey, and peanut butter
• Milk, juice, milkshake powder, yogurt, and cream
• Butter and margarine
• Cheese
• Mayonnaise, dressings, drips, dips, and sauces
• Ready-made meals, burgers, sausages, pizzas, puddings, and pies
• Frozen fresh meat and frozen vegetables
• Ice cream and waffles

Ideas for easy meals

Omelets
Omelets are easy to make and can be made with fillings of cheese, mushrooms, or ham. Served with bread toasts and margarine or butter, this is a nutritious quick meal. Rich in protein, it provides a wholesome diet with plenty of healthy calories.

Sausages and beans
A meal of tinned beans and mini sausages with toast and margarine or butter provides the protein and fat required for a balanced meal.

Pizza
If you have pizza bases stored, a quick bake with a variety of toppings of veggies or chicken can be great.

Salads
Tinned salmon, tuna, or prawns can be had with salads and mayonnaise. Salads made of vegetables, sprouts, or chicken with olive oil and salt provide quick energy.

Smoothies and soups
Smoothies with nuts and fruits and creamy soups from vegetable or chicken broth are a great way to supplement meals even when one doesn’t have an appetite.

Pies, sausages, puddings, and pasta
Make a pie or sausage roll with mayonnaise or olive oil dressing. Toss cooked pasta varieties of cream or cheese base in olive oil and add vegetables or meat with sauces and herbs. Ready-to-eat savory rice puddings or sponge puddings in different flavors like chocolate or vanilla chocolate also make for a quick meal.

Some high-calorie snack ideas

• Wraps, breadsticks, toasted bread, bagels, or biscuits with various combinations
• Fruits salad with ice cream, yogurt, and whole milk
• Doughnuts, cake, biscuits, scones, and croissants with butter
• Crisps, nuts, chips, raisins
• Cereal with sugar and full cream milk
• Chocolates and cakes