This may sound like what the Devil’s Advocate might say, but there are some of us that would like to gain some weight.
The usual trajectory is that most people seek to lose weight but there are many who desperately try to gain weight. I once knew a friend who regularly took the foulest concoction all in the name of gaining weight.
But even closer to home, we all know that someone created a company called Faco just to cash in on the need to gain weight (at least in some areas on the body).
The truth is, some people are so thin that nothing they do seems to help them to gain a little weight. Sometimes, they also seek medical help to gain weight. So if you are looking to bulk up, these 8 simple tips might help.
1. Eat 5 to 6 meals a day
In order to gain weight, you need to start eating 5-6 meals a day. However, it is important that you break these meals into parts, as eating a lot at once may result in indigestion and your body may not be able to absorb all the nutrients. It may be possible that you won’t find yourself hungry 3 hours after eating lunch, but eat anyway and notice how your appetite increases from day to day.
2. Weight train at least 3 times a week
When you train with weights, your muscles grow. Also, gradually keep increasing the weights with which you train. As you train, your strength will increase. For instance, if you are doing lateral pulldowns with 30 kilos of weight, try and increase it to 35 kilos the next time.
3. Consume 300-500 calories more
Eating 300-500 calories more than your normal intake may not be easy, but you must do it if you want to stop being skinny. Make sure you don’t do it just by overeating at once, but instead do it gradually over the whole day.
4. Load up on protein
As informed earlier, you have to consume 300-500 more calories than your normal intake every day. You can do this by eating protein-rich foods like cheese, meat, eggs, etc.
5. Drink your calories
It may be tough to meet your calorie requirements by just eating. Drinking milk, milkshakes or protein shakes with little or no sugar can be a great way to load up on the required calories.
6. Try and eat fast (but don’t choke on it)
People who are trying to lose weight are advised exactly the opposite but for the same reason. Your body takes some time to give signals of satiety which is why eating fast can help you eat more.
7. Be patient with yourself
Hoping to gain weight quickly in a healthy manner is unrealistic. Even if you follow all the advice that is there, you may end up gaining just 1-2 kilos in a month. Every body is different, and just because you are not seeing results in terms of weight gain, you shouldn’t feel discouraged.
8. Believe in yourself
Following your regimen may seem incredibly difficult if you don’t believe that you will one day be able to transform your body. If you are not seeing any gains even after working so hard, work harder. Eat more, lift more and stay inspired.
