Eating to gain weight?

[GuesswhatBoom]

Hey, just wondering what are the best types of food for putting on weight? I’ve been struggling with weight gain for a while now, and I’m just seeing if there are any food that are healthy but still full of calories?

Also, is there any type of eating routine that might help me put weight on?

Thanks!

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Have you talked with your doctor and a Nutritionist?

[TheAwfulToad]

As Activity2004 said, first port of call is the doctor's office to find out why you have a weight problem. Not trying to worry you here, but weight loss can be a symptom of several serious diseases. However, if he says you're OK, he may suggest weight-gain shakes. Don't bother; all they do is make you fat.

If you are just a bit skinny, making yourself fat isn't a good plan. The only way to get larger in a healthy way is to add muscle mass. That means getting yourself down to the gym! Although it's a lot harder to add muscle than to add fat, even a modest amount makes a huge visual difference. If you're female, adding 2kg of muscle would have IMG agents accosting you in the street and asking if you're interested in modelling work; if you're male, 4kg would be the required amount. Presumably you're a little less ambitious - I'm just pointing out that you don't need to gain a lot to look better.

There are right ways and wrong ways to do weight training - ask one of the trainers when you sign up. The basic idea is to always do a little bit more than you did last time. Aim for at least 1g/kg protein in your diet (that is, if you weigh 60g then eat 60g+ per day). Best way to achieve this is with meat, dairy and eggs, with plenty of veg to make a nutritious meal. Don't attempt to do low-fat. If you find you're gaining too much fat and not enough muscle, reduce the carbs and add more fat/protein.

[Zest]

Hi GuesswhatBoom

This information, from NHS Choices about weight gain and being underweight may also be helpful to you, and is entitled "Healthy Weight: Advice for Underweight Adults":

nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-we...

Zest

[cj20uk]

I was told by a dietician to add more calories to my regular meals such as always having a dressing on salads, sprinkling cheese on potatoes, pasta and soup, adding nuts and seeds to meals and eating seeded or wholegrain bread. Only little things but they all add up and don't fill you up so much that you east less later. If you like milk, that is a good way to add extra calories too and nuts are good snacks.