Diet for GAINING Weight?

Updated on April 30, 2010
B.C. asks from Arlington, TX
13 answers

I have a very high metabolism I guess. After having my first daughter at 18, I lost a lot of weight that I never gained back. I was at about 102lbs at that time, which was fine, but after having my 2nd child, I got down to 90 lbs after breastfeeding for a year and chasing her crazy butt around! I have since gotten back up to 100lbs, but I have to be very careful to keep it up that high. I'm 27, and 5' 3". I would like to be at least at 105 consistently. I eat fine, take vitamins, but if I skip even ONE meal b/c I get busy, etc., then I drop the weight like nothin'! I can get down to 97lbs at times and I want soooooo desperately to be at a healthy weight!
My boobs are shriveled little fried eggs and I have NO rear end! Anyone have anything to add?
Side note: I am lactose intolerant, so I can't do a ton of calcium related foods. And, I have had my thyroid checked and it is normal,but they said that I was progesterone deficiant, but my O.b. said to stop taking those hormones if I wanted any more kids.

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A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have the same issue. Part of it is just that I've always been small, and part of it is the migraine medication I take. My goal is to not drop below 95 pounds, but it's a constant struggle.

I've started eating bagels with peanut butter for breakfast, and that helps a bit. That's a small suggestion, but it helps me some. I have never really enjoyed food much, but I do like bread, so I add bread to every meal now. I am also trying to give up sweet tea and Dr. Pepper because I seem to be filling up on drinks instead of food. I would drink sweet tea all day and then not be hungry at all. It sounds crazy to think I would gain weight by giving up sugary drinks, but it seems to be working. Good luck!

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M.W.

answers from Portland on

What about parasites? Have you traveled to any foreign countries or swam in lakes or rivers? My friend got a parasite in Mexico from swimming in the water and she didn't know it. She suspected it because she kept losing weight after her trip but found out for sure when she found it in her poop 7 years later.

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M.A.

answers from Houston on

Come stay with me for a week!!! You'll go home chunky for sure!!!!

Thats just a silly response.
Seriously, are you healthy? Are you physically fit? Are you ill often? If you are just tired from Mommy-hood, I wouldnt worry too much about it. Perhaps making sure you take your vitamins, drink your Ensures and eat HEALTHY.
You just may be one of those people who are naturally thin!!! (I hate you) (Just kidding!!!) I am one of those people who are naturally fluffy!!!
I have known many women in my life who are thin...no matter what they eat...skinny!!! I would think that eating a balanced diet like the rest of us "fatties" is truly what you need to do....matter if fact, how 'bout I take my own advice!?!
Also, I dont think that milk is the way to go anyway...the whole point of cows milk is to feed a calf...not a human. JMO.
Good Luck!!! :)

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K.M.

answers from Boston on

Get your thyroid checked out my dear!

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi Bethany,

I have recommended an absorbable multivitamin to both my overweight friends and my underweight friends. My husband lost 110 pounds with the same vitamin my girlfriend gained 20 pounds with. Nutrition really will balance the weight no matter what your metabolism is doing. What type of vitamin are you taking? Specifically what is it's delivery system and is it pharmaceutical grade? If you ARE taking a good one, is your body not absorbing it for a reason? Sometimes a digestive detox will uncover absorption sites so nutrition is more easily absorbed.

If you'd like to talk specifics let me know. I can also send you some info on the vitamin I take if you're interested.

Regards,

M.
P.S. Almond milk is high in fat, good for you, and was a staple in the middle ages. You can do anything with it that you can traditionally do with cow's milk.

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K.F.

answers from Dallas on

I'm in the same boat as you...5ft..96lbs. My doctor told me to do protein shakes but like you, i am lactose intollerant and can't use them. His other suggestion was weight training will NO cardio. I have yet to join a gym but am going to purchase some free weights to see if that helps.A friend of mine joined a gym to gain weight and so far she has gained 8lbs. I got a laugh at your fried egg comment because I soooo understand that one! It's so sad what are bodies go through after children. Sorry I can't be of more help but just thought I'd let you know you are not alone. Us skinny girls have to stick together.

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J.E.

answers from Tyler on

You have my sympathy. Weight gain diets are hard, and then you end up having to deal with all the people who tell you "Oh, I wish I had your problem, I'm trying to lose weight, gaining is sooo easy." I've been on weight gain diets three different times for different reasons, one from excessive weight loss associated with having my daughter, and I got so sick of trying to eat the right foods all the time that it became a real chore. Now I struggle to keep the weight down, and that is no fun either, sometimes it seems like you just can't win!

With the things you describe, lactose intolerance and progesterone deficency, in addition to having such very low body weight and difficulty in keeping any weight on I really urge you to seek help from a professional in developing a diet that will help you achieve your health goals. It sounds like you are aware of your problems and of the related health risks and that is good. I assume you have been checked for anemia and had your potasium levels checked too. I believe that your condition warrants careful planning by someone who really knows what they are doing and follow up monitoring to see that you remain in good health as you gain weight.

I'm sorry that this will undoubtedly involve some expense, but any other course of action could very likely prove highly expensive in the long run - both in terms of dollars and in terms of your health.

I will be sending out tons of positive thoughts on your behalf and hope that all goes well for you.

G.R.

answers from Dallas on

hello bethany
i highly recommnend you this products herbalife shape works because is specialized program for weight gain ,maintain weight and weight loss, will help you gain weight at least 2-3 punds per week


To Gain Weight you need to take in MORE CALORIES than you use. For more muscles you need to take in EXTRA PROTEIN to build lean body muscles.

Formula Gain Weight with Extra Protein is for you:Eat your 3 normal meals.
Plus take 3 Formula 1 nutrition shakes everyday for an extra 660 calories per day.
Add 1tbs Protein Powder to each shake giving 24g quality protein in each shake - an extra 72g protein per day for lean body muscle.
An extra 600 calories everyday will, on average, result in 2 lbs gain weight per week.
Plus take Formula 2 multi vitamin supplements to be healthier or stay healthy as you gain weight.

its very easy program becasue you can make your shake everywhere you go

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F.S.

answers from Dallas on

Bethany, we are one one of the few. I used to have this problem as well. I can remember wearing the 0's & 1's. Those were the days. All I can say is just be patient. I started gaining weight in my mid 30's. I guess my metabolism slowed down. I'm still on the thin side at 5'6" & 115lbs at 39 years old. I've had 3 kids and the most I've ever weighed was 140 at 9 mos. So I would just consider it a blessing because there are a lot of people with weight issues, etc. Continue eating right and taking care of yourself and you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
As for the boobs, I live by padded push-up bras!!!! And I'm wishing for some hips still. I hope this helps out.

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R.M.

answers from Portland on

Hi Bethany-

First, talk to your doctor. You may have a medical issue.

If not, focus on good protein & fats. Nuts are a good source of healthy fat and protein. You may think about whole milk too. I've heard people use protein powders to add weight in the past. I haven't I'm able to gain weight by looking at food = )

I hope this helps. Weight issues on either side of the scale is annoying.

R. Magby

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D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

weight lifters drink protien drinks its a powder you mix with water or such you can get it anywhere. or drink pediasure it is to make infants gain weight. or ensure.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I'm also lactose intolerant. Protein shakes usually contain lactose. I think Ensure and Pediasure also contain lactose tho I'm not sure. I'm also allergic to soy and most of these also contain soy.

I have found off brand protein shakes that do not contain lactose. They taste awful to me. I can't remember brands. I just read the labels.

Although, I bloat up with gas and am terribly uncomfortable when I drink milk, I've been able to eat cheese all of my life. Many lactose intolerant people find this to be true. And I've begun taking a supplement named Digestive Advantage, Gas Defense Formula, which allows me to eat some ice cream.

I also recommend that you take probiotics to improve your over all health. I've recently found one that works well for me. It's a Vitamin World product called Multi-Enzyme Digestive Care.

I've found over the years that when my digestion works well I feel better and don't lose weight. I've had times when I lost weight and it was of concern to my doctor.

If you're not allergic to soy there is a frozen ice cream like desert found in the ice cream section that does not contain lactose.

I would eat as many and as much high calorie foods as possible. Snack all day. Avocado comes to mind. I can tolerate butter. Slather on butter or margarine 1/4" thick on bread. I love the taste of both. Top everything sweet with Cool Whip. Eat lots of cookies, cakes, and pies made with whole grains, along with the really healthy stuff. Slather butter or margarine on your vegetables. Fry your portion of meats in olive oil. You can get olive oil based margarine if you're concerned about unhealthy fat intake. Olive oil as well as some other fats are healthy.

Once you gain the weight you can stop using so much fat. If heart disease is prevalent in your family perhaps you'll not want to use so much fat. I'm all for healthy eating. I'm 66 and have eaten lots of fat in my younger years. I don't so much now. Still my cholesterol and triglyceride levels are normal. my parents and other relatives lived into their 80's with no heart or stroke conditions. So check on those things before you over load on fat.

I think that increasing your fiber intake might help. Fiber keeps the food in the intestines longer so that your body might be able to absorb more nutrients. If I remember correctly having insufficient nutrient absorption goes along with being underweight.

I recommend that you talk with a nutritionist or dietitian. You can find one at your local hospital. They offer classes in weight loss. Call and ask them about gaining weight.

Definitely eat lots of calories.

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J.Y.

answers from Abilene on

Have you tried protein shakes? Do you do any strength training? Gaining muscle could help you achieve some curves/tone. Also, drinking and eating soy products and substitute foods to still get your calcium would be good for you, especially in the long run. You may want to visit a health food store to see what else is available.
Good luck to u:)

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