Trying to gain weight with three square meals per day can be a challenge. Adding calorie rich foods between meals can help you put on the pounds you need without stuffing yourself at mealtime. If you're underweight be sure to talk to your doctor about treatment options. Including healthy snacks to gain weight to your high calorie diet can help you gain weight healthfully.
Walnuts
Walnuts and other raw nuts are an abundant source of calories in the form of heart healthy monounsaturated fats. Just three ounces of walnuts contain nearly 600 calories, the USDA Nutrient Database reports. Additionally, walnuts contain essential vitamins like vitamin E and minerals like selenium -- two nutrients important for heart health. Other healthy nuts include cashews, almonds and peanuts. Consider spreading natural nut butter to low-calorie foods like carrots and apples to boost their calories.
Fruit Smoothies
Fresh fruit smoothies are a concentrated calorie snack bursting with nutrition. Make your next smoothie by tossing in ice, low-fat yogurt and fresh fruit into a blender. You can augment the calories in fruit smoothies healthfully by adding in flaxseeds, wheat germ or a tsbp of extra virgin olive oil. Fresh fruits like berries, bananas and oranges are smoothie friendly and rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for adequate immune system functioning, the Linus Pauling Institute reports.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is a supplement staple within the bodybuilding community. However, anyone looking to gain weight should consider whey protein. A 100 g serving of whey protein contains 120 calories and 25 g of protein, PeerTrainer.com states. In addition to giving you extra calories whey protein can accelerate wound healing and reduce heart disease risk, the Whey Protein Institute reports. Mix whey protein in fat-free milk or water to increase the calories in your favorite beverages.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in calories and contain more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals, the California Avocado Commission states. Eating a whole medium sized avocado will give you 250 calories along with a 15 g serving of heart healthy of monounsaturated fats. Regularly consuming monounsaturated fats lower bad LDL cholesterol levels in your body and can reduce heart disease risk, the American Heart Association reports.
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