First and foremost is to be sure that there is no underlying, undiagnosed medical problem. This is especially important if you have been losing weight. Diseases like cancer, eating disorders, hormonal problems, digestive diseases, as well as other problems, may result in weight loss. Once any medical conditions are diagnosed and being treated, a thin person can gain weight in a safe, healthy manner by increasing the number of meals per day and by increasing the amount of protein and fats.
To gain weight, you need to take in more calories per day than you expend physically each day. If you exercise a lot or have a physically demanding job, you may need to increase your caloric intake more than someone who has a sedentary lifestyle.
What To Eat
Increasing starchy, sugary, and greasy foods is not a good idea. These are bad for your body. Even if you want to gain weight, your calories should come from foods that are good for you. Healthy fats include omega 3 oils like fish oils, flax, and nuts. Good sources of protein include organic meats, fish, and organic poultry. Increase the number of meals per day to 5 or 6 small balanced meals. Protein powders and shakes can be added as meals. Some are flavored and only need added water and some others can blended with water or your choice of juices to improve the taste. It would be a plus to add a small amount of flax seed oil and some psillium powder to add some healthy fiber.
Supplements
A good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement is a good idea. Some people find that their muscle mass improves with extra amino acid formulas. Some people who are very ill may need liquid nutritional preparations that are available through their doctors.
Exercise
Exercise is also important. Resistance training like lifting weights will tend to increase muscle mass more so than aerobic training which is better suited to losing fat. Resistance training can be done at a health club or with the proper equipment at home.
If you need to gain weight, it is possible to do so in a healthy manner with the right foods and exercise. Eating junk foods, sugary or greasy foods is not healthy. Neither are taking steroids or questionable supplements. Be sure that anything you take into your body is healthy.
Concentrate on calories
Tip the scales toward weight gain by choosing foods that are "calorie-dense," or high in calories. While rich desserts and fried foods quickly come to mind, the emphasis should be on foods that pack other nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to calories.
Where can you start?
Begin by choosing calorie-rich foods from each group of the Food Guide Pyramid shown below, plus fats, oils, and sweets in moderation. Aim for the higher end of the recommended number of servings from each group shown in the Pyramid. Here are some calorie-dense, nutritious foods:
Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta: granola, bagels, biscuits, cornbread
Fruits: canned fruit in syrup, dried fruits, fruit nectars
Vegetables: avocado, olives, potatoes, peas, corn, squash
Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts: beef, pork, lamb, poultry, salmon, swordfish, omelets, nuts, peanut butter, kidney beans, chickpeas
Milk, yogurt, and cheese: milk, fruited yogurts, hard cheeses, ice cream, puddings, custards, milkshakes
Use in moderation fats, oils, and sweets, such as butter, margarine, sour cream, cream cheese, gravy, salad dressings, jellies, jams, honey, and candies.
Maximize each mouthful
Incorporating extra calories into everyday meals can make eating a creative and flavorful experience. Try adding these nutritious, calorie-packed combinations to your meals:
Use milk in place of water in hot cereal, soups, and sauces. Sprinkle powdered milk into casseroles and meatloaf for added calories, protein, and calcium.
Add avocado, cheese, and salad dressings to sandwiches. Even fat-free dressings and cheeses will add calories without added fat.
Mix cooked, chopped meat, wheat germ, nuts, beans, or cheese into casseroles, side dishes, and pasta.
Choose calorie-dense beverages, appetizers, soup, salads, entrees, and desserts when dining out. Take home leftovers for a snack.
Let snacks work in your favor
Smart snacking plays an important role in gaining weight. Choose snacks that add calories, vitamins, and minerals, such as powdered milk added to a yogurt or ice cream-based shake with fruit and fruit juice. Dip crackers, chips, and fresh vegetable relishes into high-calorie dips made with cheese, sour cream (either regular or reduced-fat), mashed beans, or fat-free salad dressings. Space out snacks during the day so you don't spoil your appetite for later meals.
GOOD LUCK GIRL!
2006-08-31 01:16:37
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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