We all know that healthy eating is the key to weight loss. But not everyone is aware that healthy food plus exercise is the best diet for a healthy weight.The thing is, though, that not everyone wants to go on such a strict diet. Especially if you are a busy worker who is trying to get through the day and then work out in the evening! As long as you stick to our advice here, anyone can gain weight using these simple methods.
Food For Gaining Weight
The weight gain equation is pretty simple:ย consume more calories than you burn. If you have a high metabolism or exercise vigorously, you may be placing yourself at a calorie deficit if don’t eat to meet to your need.
If you don’t have a clue how many calories you burn per day, use anย onlineย calorie calculatorย to figure that out. Next, build a diet plan that exceeds that value.
The 3,500 calorie per pound rule has been used to set up diets. Based on the rule, is believed that reducing 500 calories per day is thought to result in a pound of fat loss or gain each week. But it’s not clear how accurate the 3500 calorie per pound rule actually is or how well it will work for setting up a weight-gaining diet.2๏ปฟ
Adding roughly 500 calories each and every dayโideally withย energy-denseย foods and snacksโshould give you the extra calories you need to increase your weight.
To make theย plan work, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and use toppings (gravies, chopped nuts, ranch dressing) to add calories without bulk. To get your weight gain strategy started, here are eight nutritious, high-calorie (but still healthy) foods to add to your list:1
Bagels
Bread and cereals, in general, areย good sources ofย complex carbohydrates, such as starches and fiber that provide energy for your body. These are the types of carbs that are metabolized a little more slowly than simple carbs (like sugar).3
Bagels just happen to be extra calorie-dense. While oneย slice ofย white breadย has about 70 calories, one small bagel has over 180 calories. Extra-large coffee shop bagels can have well in excess of 300 calories.4ย
Top your bagel with some nut butter (about 190 calories) and fruit spread (about 50 calories) and you’ll have yourself a tasty, energy-packed mid-morning snack that totals 420โ540 calories.
Keep in mind that peanut butter is just one nut butter to try. You can experiment withย other types of nut butterย including almond butter or cashew butter. You can also try seed butters such asย tahiniย or sunflower seed butter.2
Pasta
Pasta is another calorie-dense source of carbs that provides an ideal base for any number of meals. Simply add the sauce and you’re ready to go.
Two cups of cookedย spaghettiย has almost 400 calories.ย A cup of bolognese sauce adds no less than 160 calories. Sprinkle two tablespoons ofย parmesan cheeseย on top for another 45 calories, and you’ll find yourself with no less than 600 calories in one meal.4Spinach Spaghetti Aglio e Olio3
Dried Fruit
Give yourself a quick calorie boost by eating a handful or two of dried fruit. They have less volume than their fresh counterparts, so you can eat more in one go without feeling stuffed.
Forย example, one cup ofย raisinsย has around 400 calories compared to a full cup of fresh grapes, which has about 60 calories.4ย Raisinsย are probably the most popular dried fruit, but you can also try dried berries,ย apricots, apples, cranberries, and evenย tropical fruits.4
Healthy Oils
Adding extra fat to your food is an easy way to add calories, but you want to be sure to choose theย fats and oils that are good for you.ย
Olive oil is rich in healthyย monounsaturatedย fatsย andย can add calories and flavor to pasta, bread, or vegetables.ย Canola oilย is a greatย sourceย ofย omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA)ย and monounsaturated fats, making it a terrific, all-purpose cooking oil.5ย Walnutย and grape seed oils are lighter in flavor and perfectย forย dressing salads.5
Avocados
Avocados are rich inย monounsaturated fatty acids.ย plus they haveย vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. Oneย avocadoย has more than 200 calories, so it’s a good way to add extra caloriesย without sacrificing nutrition.4ย Addย avocado slicesย to your sandwiches or makeย guacamoleย to serve withย baked tortilla chips. You can also add guacamole to soft shell tacos or burritos.
You might also want to tryย adding avocado to your favorite smoothieย recipe. The mild flavor mixes well with ingredients like berries or chocolate.Classic Guacamole: Everyone’s Favorite Green Dip6
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds containย polyunsaturatedย fatsย that add healthy calories to your diet.ย Brazil nuts, almonds,ย walnuts, pecans, cashews,ย sunflower seeds,ย flax seeds, andย pumpkin seedsย are all good for you.5ย Eatย roasted nutsย and seeds by the handful or sprinkled chopped nuts on top of ice cream, yogurt, or salads.
If you’re not keen about snacking on nuts, you can pack in extra calories with nut butter. One tablespoon ofย peanut butter, for example, has about 100 calories.4Can Peanut Butter Be a Good Addition to Your Diet?7
Granola
Make your own granola with any combination of dry whole-grain cereals, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Store your granola in an airtight container and serve it for breakfast. Pack some granola into small plastic containers that you can take with you on a busy day. For more flavor and calories, add dark chocolate chunks or peanut butter chips.
By having granola always on hand, you can constantly nibble and get your calories throughout the day rather than indulging in big meals.Recipes8
Protein Bars
You can increase both your calories and protein intake with protein bars. Protein is especially important because it is what your body needs to build lean muscle.
You can often find high-calorie protein bars in drugstores with a fitness supplements section. While some people preferย protein shakesย to protein bars, the former tends to make you fuller faster since it tends to be extra-rich in whey.
Don’t make the mistake of using protein bars as a replacement for meals. You will not get enough calories if you do. Instead, pack them in your purse, desk, or laptop bag so that they are always on hand for a midday snack.
How To Gain Weight Quickly
1. Milk
2. Protein shakes
Protein shakes can help a person to gain weight easily and efficiently. A shake is most effective at helping to build muscle if drunk shortly after a workout.
3. Rice
A cup of rice contains aboutย 200 caloriese, and it is also a good source of carbohydrates, which contribute to weight gain. Many people find it easy to incorporate rice into meals containing proteins and vegetables.
4. Red meat
Consuming red meat has been shown to help with building muscle and gaining weight.
Steak contains both leucine and creatine, nutrients that play a significant role in boosting muscle mass. Steak and other red meats contain both protein and fat, which promote weight gain.
5. Nuts and nut butter
Consuming nuts regularly can help a person to gain weight safely. Nuts are a great snack and can be added to many meals, including salads. Raw or dry roasted nuts have the most health benefits.
Nut butters made without added sugar or hydrogenated oils can also help. The only ingredient in these butters should be the nuts themselves.
6. Whole-grain breads
These breads contain complex carbohydrates, which can promote weight gain. Some also contain seeds, which provide added benefits.