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Healthy Eating After Burn Injury – Adults

Burn injuries place extra stress on the body, and increase the need for nutrients that support healing, fight infection, and preserve strength.

Learn how to eat well in the hospital and at home to promote recovery.


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Why Nutrition Matters

Burn injuries dramatically increase the body’s need for calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

The larger the burn area, the greater the nutritional need. Your care team will work with a dietitian to determine the right level of support based on your age, size, and injury. 

A well-balanced diet:

  • Supports immune function to reduce infection risk 

  • Speeds wound healing 

  • Helps maintain muscle mass 

  • Reduces weight loss and supports rehabilitation 

Nutrition in the Hospital

Burn recovery requires more calories and protein than any other type of injury. A dietitian in the hospital will help ensure your meals and supplements meet your needs. 

What to eat:

Focus on high-protein foods at every meal and snack: 

  • Lean meats 

  • Eggs 

  • Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese) 

  • Tofu, lentils, beans 

  • Nuts 

Boosting calories and protein:

  • Add milkshakes or smoothies 

  • Use high-protein snacks between meals 

If extra help is needed:

Some patients receive nutrition through a soft feeding tube, which delivers liquid nutrients directly to the stomach. This ensures the body gets enough support to heal.

Managing High Blood Sugar 

Even without diabetes, stress from a burn can raise blood sugar, which slows healing. Your team may recommend insulin or changes to your diet, like reducing high-sugar drinks and sweets, until your blood sugar improves. 

Eating Well at Home

As your body heals, your nutritional needs will begin to shift back to your pre-burn injury levels.

Talk to your provider about any vitamins or supplements and whether exercise is appropriate. 

After discharge:

  • Follow a balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy 

  • If wounds are still open, continue eating extra protein 

  • Avoid sugary drinks, fried foods, desserts, and highly processed items 

  • Your calorie needs are likely lower than they were in the hospital, and your metabolism will gradually return to normal over time

Tips for a Balanced Diet

Eat small, frequent meals to avoid overeating

Include protein at every meal and snack

Keep fruit and veggie slices handy for snacking

Add flavor with herbs and spices

Drink water throughout the day

Choose whole grains to help you stay full

Avoid eating out of boredom or emotion—consider keeping a food and mood journal

Sample Daily Menu (Approx. 1,750 calories | 103g protein) 

Breakfast 

  • 2 scrambled eggs 

  • 1 slice whole-wheat toast with 1 tsp. butter 

  • 1 medium banana 

  • 8 oz. nonfat milk 

Lunch 

  • Turkey sandwich (2 slices whole-wheat bread, turkey, lettuce, tomato, mustard) 

  • 1 cup nonfat yogurt 

  • 8 oz. water 

Snack 

  • 1 medium apple 

  • 2 Tbsp. peanut butter 

  • 8 oz. water 

Dinner 

  • 3–4 oz. baked salmon 

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables 

  • ½ cup brown rice 

  • 8 oz. nonfat milk 

Evening Snack 

  • ½ cup ice cream with ½ cup sliced strawberries 

Related Resources

Exercise After Burn Injury
Healthy Eating After Burn Injury – Adults
Understanding Burn Injury
MyPlate (USDA)

Tools for planning meals and healthy living

Disclaimer 

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your health care provider about your specific nutrition and recovery needs. 

Attribution 

Adapted from the MSKTC factsheet: Healthy Eating After Burn Injury—For Adults, with contributions from medical professionals and reviewed by individuals with burn injury and their families.