dont hate me but what is a healthy way to gain weight???

[rodent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatyKo Make sure you get plenty of protein...more than just chicken at dinner. My trainer has me on protein powder 2-3 times a day and wants me to eat chicken (or something with protein) for lunch and dinner everyday. I am a veggie girl, so it is hard for me to eat so much meat, but if I don't get the chicken in, I just make sure I take my protein powder. Good luck!

what about beans or other sources of protein?

I think a plan should reflect preference so you can stick with it. I don't like meat. I eat a little every few weeks. I get my protein from other protein-rich places. I eat a lot of beans. Also, eggs, milk cheese & yogurt are good sources of protein.

if you love veggies, why fight it?

[Rhonda]

Hi Michelle,

I'm actually a Registered Dietitian, so I might be able to help you.

I would definitely recommend increase the amount of healthy fats that you consume...like nuts, nut butters, seeds, avocados, olive oil, even, mayonnaise and salad dressings. These foods are calorie dense- meaning for only a small bite, you get a lot of calories. Try adding any of these to every meal..like maybe peanut butter on your toast, avocado, seeds, olive oil in a salad, cook with lots of olive oil etc.

The other thing you might want to try is a nutritional supplement like Ensure or Boost. Or, you can make your own smoothie at home.

Also, of course, larger portions and frequent snacks can help too.

If you exercise at all, you'd probably need even more!

I hope that helps.

[Michelle]

thanks girls for all the help with this! the only problem im having is like you ladies are saying is for me to have things like nuts and beans and salads and big portions....unfortunately all of those are big no-nos for me right now ...i just had my colon removed so i have problems digesting and am on a low residue diet...sorry i didnt mention that earlier... and i cant exercise for another couple months (i cant lift more than 5 lbs right now) because my surgery cut all my ab muscles and so it has to heal first...

[rodent]

in that case, i would get a professional's advice. You probably need a diet designed for your needs.

[SunBride]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle i just had my colon removed so i have problems digesting and am on a low residue diet...sorry i didnt mention that earlier... .

Anyone who did feel jealous of your situation I think just totally got over those feelings.

So sorry to hear what you are going through. I imagine that is pretty serious surgery. Best of luck in getting healthy again.

[Michelle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunBride Anyone who did feel jealous of your situation I think just totally got over those feelings. So sorry to hear what you are going through. I imagine that is pretty serious surgery. Best of luck in getting healthy again.

Yaa it definately was not an easy surgery...I am now just over two months past the surgery and am finally feeling a little like my normal self again. It makes life very difficult to not have a colon but im starting to adjust Thank you for the well wishes on getting better! I need all the positive thoughts i can get right now, some days i get really upset and its hard to get out of bed.

[~*Kathy*~]

Michelle - aww I'm sorry to hear about your surgery. I hope you're recovering well! I agree with SunBride, I don't think any of us wishes we had that problem now :/ Good luck with your quest to gain weight!!

[DGG]

You should add a nutritional supplement drink - like Ensure or something like that. Also, make sure you are eating all regular dairy (like whole milk, whole milk cheese, regular yogurt). Milkshakes are great - you can make a milkshake with Ensure if you don't like the taste alone. Also avocados are a good natural higher fat food. You can talk to your doctor or look online at medscape.com - there is usually pretty good stuff on there.

[rach220]

Hey Michelle,

I am so glad you posted this...I have been trying to gain weight since the summer (I had the flu in the spring and lost 15 pounds and have been unable to gain it back). It's hard to talk/ask about with friends and family because most people are trying to lose weight so they get mad. I'm not terribly underweight (5'4, 110lbs) but I just don't feel healthy. And I'm ALWAYS cold, although I didn't think that had anything to do with it because I've always been like that. Over the summer I had gained about 5 pounds back, but I lost it again when classes started in September...I think I've just been doing too much.

 

The tips already posted have been helpful, but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips that are "quicker." By that I mean that I don't really have time to make myself meals because I am working so much and something like shakes would work better for me...does anyone have any recommendations on these?

[rach220]

So I just read page 2 of the thread, and Michelle, I'm so sorry about your surgery. That must be really hard...I hope you are feeling better soon!

 

I feel like an ass for complaining about being a few pounds underweight now...I can't imagine having gone through that! Good luck with your continued recovery