If you need to gain weight, here’s a plan!
So many of us are always dieting, trying to shed a few or many pounds. However, there are also many people who not only want, but need to gain weight. There are a number of reasons you might want to pack on some pounds. You may have suffered an extended period of illness which caused you to lose an unhealthy amount of weight. Perhaps you’ve been a victim of depression accompanied by a lack of appetite, resulting in an unattractive loss of weight. Some people may simply have a high rate of metabolism. People recovering from anorexia may now want to gain weight, having dealt with the psychological issues. In any of these cases, your situation is a dieter’s dream come true. With a weight gain program, you don’t have guilt or cravings to impede your progress.
If illness has caused your unhealthy weight condition, you’ll want to pack on the calories steadily but gradually. Your stomach has shrunk, so loading up on three big meals a day isn’t your best approach to gain weight.
Start with six small meals a day. You’re probably suffering from vitamin deficiencies due to lack of food. For breakfast, try a fruit smoothie made with whole milk, fruits and juices. For a mid-morning snack, have a granola bar of whole grains and fruit, one of the popular health food ’power bars’, or a dish of cottage cheese. Lunch should be packed with protein. A small chef’s salad gives you a dose of veggies, topped off with a few ounces of chicken or shrimp. Mid-afternoon, snack on a whole-grain muffin or a slice of quick bread and a glass of milk. For dinner, have a small portion of lasagna and garlic bread. Meatloaf or a chicken cutlet is tasty with a little gravy. If you want to gain weight, get plenty of carbs.
If you’re lactose-intolerant, substitute soy milk or 2% milk with acidophilus.
Remember, to gain weight, you need the fat! When you lose a lot of weight, your body consumes muscle and then goes after your fat stores, so don’t be afraid to replenish a healthy amount of fat. If you enjoy coffee with cream, try using heavy whipping cream in your cup of Joe. It’s delicious.
You must pay special attention to the food pyramid food groups and be sure you are strict in eating the recommended proportions of each. Your nutritional stores have been depleted and it’s important to resolve any deficiencies. A good vitamin and mineral supplement helps you regain good health.
One particular supplement of use to those who want to gain weight is alfalfa. Alfalfa stimulates the appetite and is available in capsules.
Always consult your physician for your specific dietary requirements and approval of your weight gain program. For exercise, ask your doctor if aerobics might be your best plan.
With regular, good nutrition and proper exercise, you’ll soon be in the pink again!
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