While most people today are trying to watch their weight, some struggle to gain weight. There are many reasons why someone may feel that they need to gain weight. Some people become underweight due to diseases like diabetes, digestive disorders and cancer. Others want to gain weight for aesthetic purposes. If you are looking to add some extra pound, adopting the right diet is key to reaching your weight gain goal.
Benefits
Being excessively underweight can make you feel tired, sluggish and weak. Adopting a diet for a healthy weight gain can help you to gradually put on the weight you need to have more energy and feel stronger. If you are the athletic type, gaining weight may help improve your physical performance.
Features
Your weight gain diet should consist of a healthy mix of proteins, fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates. Foods like meat, eggs, beans, milk and peanut butter are excellent sources of protein. Drugs.com recommends adding fruits and vegetables like mangos, bananas, raisins, carrots, corn and peas to your diet for their generous calorie content. Breads and cereals are important sources of calories and carbohydrates. Granola breakfast cereals are better sources of calories than less healthy sugary cereals. Rather than regular white bread, Drugs.com recommends eating heavier breads like bran, rye and pumpernickel.
Considerations
When it comes to weight gain, quantity is just as important as quality. Be sure to eat regular meals and snacks every day. Instead of eating just two or three large meals a day, MayoClinic.com recommends eating five to six small meals to promote a steady calorie intake. When possible, try putting a few extra spoons of food on your plate and taking an extra handful of whatever you are snacking on. Drugs.com suggests selecting a calorie-rich snack or topping like nuts, yogurt, milkshakes, crackers, cheese, peanut butter, honey or jelly. You can also grab some extra calories by squeezing in a glass of juice or milk throughout the day.
Misconceptions
Most people associate exercising with trying to lose weight. However, adding exercise to your weight gain diet plan is a great way to help ensure that the weight you gain turns to muscle instead of fat. According to MayoClinic.com, weight lifting is the best form of exercise for gaining weight because not only does it help build muscle, it can also help stimulate your appetite, enabling to eat more.
Warning
Adopting a weight gain diet does not mean you get to skip the healthy stuff. If you are trying to put on some pounds, make sure that you do it in a healthy way. Remember that proper nutrition is as important to successful weight gain as it is to weight loss. Your body still needs a regular supply of nutrition and vitamins. Avoid the urge to gain weight quickly by filling up on junk food and sugary snacks.
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