How can I gain weight healthily?

Question

I'm 18 and haven't started my periods yet. This is probably due to me losing a few kilos over the last year as a result of depression and stress. I saw a gynaecologist in the summer and she told me to put on weight, but this is proving to be much harder than it sounds. I'm trying to eat a bit more but it seems like the harder I try to put on some weight, the less it works! I'm scared to weigh myself as I think I've somehow lost a little bit more weight recently; the bones around my neck and shoulders have started to protrude and they look awful. I'm really worried. Has anyone got any advice on how I can gain weight?

Answer 1

True gaining weight is not that easy when you are trying to do it. Here's my suggestion: Eat some complex carbs that will allow provide good protein sources like brown rice and beans and pasta dishes. Eat dairy that is a good way to gain weight like whole milk and cheeses. Do a protein shake.

Try to eat 3 meals a day and add two snacks like fruit and nuts.

Answer 2

First of all hun I would double check this advice, and have your body fat measured to see if it is within a healthy range. Don't go on weight alone as the BMI is innaccurate.

Also depending on your somatotype (body shape), this may be your natural state.

But in the meantime, if you are underweight, then gaining the weight HEALTHILY is the most important thing hun.

Basically don't worry so much about the dieting, just eat healthy.

The reccomended healthy eating plan (by nurses, doctors and dieticians) is 4 or 5 small to medium meals a day. Each meal (with the exception of breakfast should contain ALL of these basic food groups, protien (from fish, chicken, etc), carbohydrates (rice, pasta, spuds) and vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (fresh fruit and veg). There are a huge variety of meals you can make containing these 3 types, from chinese and italian to a basic healthy sunday lunch. This doesn't mean you can't spoil yourself with a pizza or a takeaway every now and then, just make it an occassional treat, maybe once a week or fortnight.

This would make sure you get a decent, healthy diet, but for gaining weight I would put a bit more carbohydrates on your plate.

Once you do this I would excercise too, this would ensure you stay healthy as you gain the weight slowly and naturally. Start of with moderate cardio, as you want to get fit without burning a lot of cals, but do some light weights to tone, define and shape your body too.

Good luck hun

Answer 3

I guess you could measure out exactly your caloires of the day and mack sure you eat anoth for the avrearge women! that would be like a caloire counting diet in reverse!
Or cream is a good way to put on weight put cream in your tea and coffee :) also make sure you have a nice small bar of chocolate everyday or treat yourself to a ben and jerrys ice cream! You can still eat perfectly healthy and treat yourself at the same time its only really unhealthy if you eat fried foods and such for every meal all the time best of luck! :)
I would be worrid that you have a thyroid problem (cos this is what my mate had with ur prob at 17) though so a second opionion maybe go see a doctor and they could give you some helpful advice as well!

Answer 4

Are you exercising? If so take protein and weight gain supplements, it's much healthier than just eating lots of food. It'll pile on the calories, most of which which convert to muscle. Not sure how quickly it'll happen for you but if you're training hard in the gym probably just a couple of weeks.

Answer 5

Gaining weight is never easy. You should eat several small meals each day. Try eating foods with protein and carbs.
Pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and any whole grains are excellent choices. You can drink a protein shake for lunch with additional fruit if you like. Drink a glass of water after each meal.
Note: Be careful not to eat foods high in trans fats and sugary snacks, they lack any nutritional content.
Good Luck and I wish you the Best.

Answer 6

humm i doubt it's the diet... it's probably genetics.. you've picked up on late blooming somewhere in the family. honestly.. but to gain weight in a healthy way... eat more fresh fruits and veggies.. eat more beans... tubers (potatoes) fresh is best.. and you'll be getting more minerals and vitamins than in any suppliment...

dark leafy greens too! fresh juices....

artificial foods and processed foods won't help.. maybe cutting down on that dairy may help also.. dairy has a way of putting off things.. making periods late in general and producing mucous too which can be a problem.

if you like milk...? try working on switching to something without lactose and such high fat like a popular brand of soymilk like "silk" brand.. which many can tolerate.. just remember that it's soy not cow. that will help you with the transistion.

but mostly i think the late period is genetic.... you're fine... it'll come believe me.. 18 is not unusual!

:D you need more minerals in your diet.. that'll help fill you out without the FAT!

eating more fatty foods will not help actually you'll just add more fatty materials to your body and you'll be more unhealthy than filled out.

since it sounds you are deficient in vitamins and minerals than anything else.. that also can make you look like a zombie and not just because you're not eating enough. the body starves without minerals and vitamins... so feed it more healthy foods. see what happens, it takes some effort and time but i think you're not getting enough nourishment in general, i don't think the problem is calories.

Answer 7

Doctors sometimes give advice without thinking of the consequences or patient's perceptions. However, without knowing your height and weight, there is no way that any layman, much less strangers on this website, can help you. Do as your doctor and parents recommend, as, presumably, they have your best interests at heart.

Answer 8

wait.... you haven't started your period yet AT ALL?
or did you have it before and just lost it due to losing weight?

Either way, in order to have your periods you need to be a certain weight.
I used to be anorexic and once I got down to a certain weight ( 50 kg ) I lost my periods. I kept on losing weight and losing weights and my periods did not come back.
Finally, after a year of not having it, I got back up to 50 kg and my period came back.

Answer 9

only proper and healthy diet will help-the best solution for you is on www.wellness-diet4me.co.uk