Being underweight can be frustrating to some, but eating fatty foods may not be the right way to add pounds to your frame, suggests MayoClinic.com. Your weight loss may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Being underweight is also a sign of a weak immune system, causing you to become sick more often. If you have recently lost more than 10 lbs without dieting, talk about your weight loss with a medical professional.
Increase Healthy High-Calorie Foods
When you are underweight, eating high-calorie fatty foods simply adds unhealthy weight gain to your body. Avoid the junk food and choose healthy, high-calorie snacks that are low in fat. Focus on increasing your lean muscle mass instead of simply adding weight in body fat. Increase your muscle by following a regular exercise program. Choose yogurt, granola, fruit pies or whole-grain pastries to your diet when craving a sweet treat.
Dairy
Consume extra dairy throughout the day to increase weight gain. Shoot for three or more servings of dairy. Adding extra milk, cream or cheese to your meals and snacks is a simple way to increase calories, protein and calcium. Drink milk-based smoothies with added protein powder and fresh fruit for a healthy and filling snack. Cheese sticks, cottage cheese and milk-based soups and stews throughout the day will increase your caloric intake in a healthy way.
Energy Foods
When you are underweight, you may suffer from low energy levels. Focus on energizing snacks. Nuts are full of healthy fat. Choose a handful or two as a snack each day. Eat a loaded potato for lunch topped with cheese, baked beans or even tuna fish. Add dried fruit or raisins to your breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Peanut butter is a rich source of protein and energy. Add it to a piece of whole-wheat toast or banana for an afternoon snack.
Physical Activity
Weight gain doesn't come only from eating additional calories. Increase your body's muscle mass to bulk up. Choose resistance and strength training to gain pounds. Small amounts of cardiovascular activities such as jogging and swimming will also increase your energy and hunger levels. Join an exercise program focusing on strength training. Working with others may motivate you to keep a regular exercise schedule, which is critical to gaining weight. A noticeable difference in body shape and size may take from six months to a year.
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