What to Eat to Gain Weight

Nowadays, people are very conscious of their weight. Although you may achieve a size zero by following a fad diet, it may adversely affect your health. Most people are unaware of the fact that being underweight leads to serious health complications. Anemia, infertility, osteoporosis, amenorrhea, etc. are the major health risks of being underweight. It is also a fact that underweight women are at a greater risk of suffering from health problems.

Changing meal plans and eating habits is the easiest and the quickest way to gain weight. But if you are thinking what foods to eat to gain weight, here is a list of the best foods to eat to gain weight. One should also remember that there is a difference between being healthy and being obese. You would need to increase calorie intake and simultaneously exercise regularly, to have a healthy body.

Best Foods to Eat to Gain Weight

Weight gain foods include foods rich in fats, carbohydrates and proteins. You must have heard that sweets and desserts help in quick weight gain. But you also need to keep a check on the deposition of unwanted fat in the body, which can be equally troublesome later. Protein rich foods will best help you gain weight, without any unwanted fat.

Fats
Oils like olive oil, sunflower oil, fish oil and flax seed oil should be included in your daily diet. You should also regularly eat fishes like salmon, sardines, mackerels, etc. Dairy products like butter, cheese, whole milk, etc. also help in quick weight gain; but it is better to consume them in limited quantities. Make a habit of eating dried fruits like cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios or pumpkin seeds, everyday. For breakfast and snacks, have buttered toasts or be generous with low-fat cheese, low-fat cream and peanut butter on your favorite dishes to gain weight quickly.

Carbohydrates
Nearly all the foods that you eat daily contain carbohydrates. Vegetables like potatoes, yams, cabbages, spinach, cauliflowers, radishes, Brussels sprouts, beans, etc. and fruits like apples, all kinds of berries, mangoes, avocado, peaches, papayas etc. are good weight gaining foods. Wheat, rice, barley, pasta, granola, whole grain bread, and oatmeal are the best foods to eat to gain weight. Honey, jelly and jams are also sources of carbohydrates that help in gaining weight. But avoid bread or dishes made from white flour.

Proteins
If you want to know what to eat to gain weight, eating foods high in protein like fishes and dairy products will be beneficial. Include fishes like cod, tuna, herring, salmon, etc in your meal. Red meat, turkey, lobsters, shrimps, oysters, chicken, eggs; tofu and whey protein also help in gaining weight. Dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese, can also be consumed. Proteins can also be acquired from protein supplements, in the form of powder or drinks, which are easily available in market. You can start the protein supplements with your doctor's consent.

Beverages
Replace your regular tea and coffee with milkshakes, juices, soft drinks, fruit punches, fruit smoothies, creamy soups, etc. in order to gain weight. Although consumption of alcohol also helps in gaining weight, it is not a healthy option. Also avoid soft drinks and artificially sweetened drinks.

Try to include these foodstuffs in your daily meals to gain weight. You must also have complete and heavy meals, three times a day and snacks at least twice a day. Do not skip meals by frequent snacking. With this, you no longer have to worry on what to eat to gain weight.