If you are underweight from having cancer, it is possible to gain weight by eating extra fat and calories throughout the day. Although any type of fat will help you gain weight, keeping your diet low in saturated fat will lower your risk for heart disease. Before beginning a weight gain diet, see a doctor to determine exactly what types of foods you should be eating for your weight and body type. This way, you can determine you are gaining weight in the healthiest way possible.
Step 1
Eat five or more times per day. The more meals you eat, the more calories you will take in. These calories will turn into fat in your body if you are eating more calories than you are burning with exercise and physical activity.
Step 2
Eat healthy high-calorie foods. These foods include avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil and dried fruit. Incorporate these foods into as many meals as possible throughout the day for maximum weight gain.
Step 3
Add wheat germ to foods to increase their calorie count. Sprinkle 2 tbsp. of wheat germ into yogurt, milkshakes and soups to help increase weight gain.
Step 4
Avoid foods that contain large amounts of saturated fat or trans fats, like store-bought baked goods, cakes, cookies, ice cream, red meat and fried foods. Although these foods will help you gain weight and may be eaten occasionally and in moderation, they will also increase your risk for heart disease and high cholesterol.
Step 5
Eat larger portions. The Children's Hospital of Boston suggests adding extra ingredients to foods that you may ordinarily eat alone. For example, add 1/2 cup of fruit to your cereal or a handful of granola into your yogurt. These additions may not seem like much, but they will add up to make your overall caloric intake higher.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat vegetables with peanut butter or salad dressing rather than eating them plain.
- Consult your doctor or oncologist before starting a high-fat or high-calorie diet.
Things You'll Need
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Olive oil
- Dried fruit
- Wheat germ
- Yogurt
- Milkshakes
- Soups
- Fruit
- Cereal
- Granola
- Yogurt
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