hard gainer
spaintress84
Posts: 2 Member
I'm what you would call a "hard gainer". In order to gain weight I have to take in quite a bit more calories than I'm used to, which I tried before but seldom hit my target of 2400 a day and spent a great deal stressing about it so I stopped. Anyhow, this week I bought a bunch of Boost Plus to, well, boost my caloric intake without having to stress or force things down. I've been drinking two @ 360 cals each a day in addition to regular meals. It's really been a relief to hit my calorie targets without feeling overwhelmed. I don't have a scale so I'm not sure if I've gained anything yet, and it's only been four days, but I'm finally optimistic. Going to start strength training to build muscle tonight, hopefully the exercise will help me put the weight on as muscle which apparently is harder to lose than fat so if my calories drop temporarily I won't waste away back to a string bean immediately, like what happened post partum with both my pregnancies. Wish me luck!!
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Also, has anyone else had success with drinking Boost or Ensure? I'm a single mom and have little time or money to shop and make fancy shakes and the like.0
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I try getting my protein and calories from regular meals, that's where I've had the most success. What foods do you like to eat and what do you typically eat?0
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I have a fast metabolism as well and I have to constantly eat to gain. To save money I honestly go with whatever protein shakes are the cheapest and has what I need as far as calories, sat. fats, etc.. I figure as long as I'm meeting my daily goal I'm good! Also I'm not too sure how fond you are of raw eggs. But I'll throw one of those in a shake, I'll even eat 1 or 2 raw, that's 78 calories and they add up. They aren't that expensive where I am either. If you're anything like me you're fortunate enough to eat whatever you want and it just never gets stored, it's instantly burned. Anyway, I'm rambling! Best of luck!
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No hardgainers, only undereaters. If shakes give you macros which you need then okey:) good luck1
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I use to drink the VHC Boost that was around 500 calories and bought it from Amazon, which helped me a great deal in gaining weight last year. I stopped for several reasons, one being I wasn't quite sure how healthy it was for me, two I simply didn't have much time to continue on my daily gain weight regime. Now that I am retuning back to my regimen, I will definitely do more research on it, if it turns out it's good for me, then I'll def buy it again. I hope that helps someone.1
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Hardgainer? Peanut butter and fluff sammich washed down with a cup of milk. 500 calories right there.1
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Get a scale and 2400 isn't much at all0
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You could just drink full fat milk?0
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spaintress84 wrote: »I'm what you would call a "hard gainer". In order to gain weight I have to take in quite a bit more calories than I'm used to, which I tried before but seldom hit my target of 2400 a day and spent a great deal stressing about it so I stopped. Anyhow, this week I bought a bunch of Boost Plus to, well, boost my caloric intake without having to stress or force things down. I've been drinking two @ 360 cals each a day in addition to regular meals. It's really been a relief to hit my calorie targets without feeling overwhelmed. I don't have a scale so I'm not sure if I've gained anything yet, and it's only been four days, but I'm finally optimistic. Going to start strength training to build muscle tonight, hopefully the exercise will help me put the weight on as muscle which apparently is harder to lose than fat so if my calories drop temporarily I won't waste away back to a string bean immediately, like what happened post partum with both my pregnancies. Wish me luck!!
you need to get on a structured lifting program like strong lifts or all pro beginner routine.
where did you get 2400 calories from?0 -
oh and no such thing as a hard gainer…that just means you are not eating enough...1
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oh and no such thing as a hard gainer…that just means you are not eating enough...
I wouldn't say there is no such thing, but it's limited to like 1% of people, and those people generally have hyperthyrodism.
There was one person I knew who maintain at 6000 calories or something crazy like that.
OP, just concentrate on high calorie foods: avocado, nuts, peanut butter, ice cream, full fat diary, red meats, bagels, pancakes, oils, marinades on everything, high calorie protein bars, high calorie protein shakes, drink some milk (even better would be strawberry or chocolate).2 -
spaintress84 wrote: »I'm what you would call a "hard gainer". In order to gain weight I have to take in quite a bit more calories than I'm used to, which I tried before but seldom hit my target of 2400 a day and spent a great deal stressing about it so I stopped. Anyhow, this week I bought a bunch of Boost Plus to, well, boost my caloric intake without having to stress or force things down. I've been drinking two @ 360 cals each a day in addition to regular meals. It's really been a relief to hit my calorie targets without feeling overwhelmed. I don't have a scale so I'm not sure if I've gained anything yet, and it's only been four days, but I'm finally optimistic. Going to start strength training to build muscle tonight, hopefully the exercise will help me put the weight on as muscle which apparently is harder to lose than fat so if my calories drop temporarily I won't waste away back to a string bean immediately, like what happened post partum with both my pregnancies. Wish me luck!!
First, make sure to increase your workout intensity. Muscles grow by adapting to stress. Challenge yourself in the gym by training near or all the way to your maximum capacity. Examine your training intensity and be honest with yourself.
Secondly, put your focus on getting stronger. The law of progressive overload is at the very heart of your entire workout plan, and if you aren't adding weight to the bar over time, you won't be gaining any reasonable muscle either. Focus on getting stronger and the size gains will follow with it.
Thirdly, increase your calorie intake. Without a daily calorie surplus, your muscles simply won't have the raw materials needed to facilitate growth. People ask me "why can't I gain weight" all the time, and the simple truth is that they aren't eating enough, period. If you can't gain weight, it means your calorie level is too low. This is especially important for the naturally skinny hardgainer. If you're an ectomorph with a fast metabolism, this is something to pay extra close attention to.1 -
No such thing as a "hardgainer" or "fast metabolism"
Eat more.1 -
codsterlaing95 wrote: »No such thing as a "hardgainer" or "fast metabolism"
Eat more.
I must disagree to your statement.. Metabolisms constantly change based on your eating patterns. Two people can weigh the same weight and eat the same calories in a day, but one could gain weight while the other does not.
My metabolism is faster than what it was previously, because I manipulated it. Previously at 73kg I was eating 2200 calories to cut, currently at 73kg I'm eating 2400 calories and cutting.1 -
codsterlaing95 wrote: »No such thing as a "hardgainer" or "fast metabolism"
Eat more.
I must disagree to your statement.. Metabolisms constantly change based on your eating patterns. Two people can weigh the same weight and eat the same calories in a day, but one could gain weight while the other does not.
My metabolism is faster than what it was previously, because I manipulated it. Previously at 73kg I was eating 2200 calories to cut, currently at 73kg I'm eating 2400 calories and cutting.
While there are some that can be considered hard gainers, it would be rare. There are various things that can cause a person to increase their calories: an increase in muscle mass (actually increase to your metabolic rate), different foods effect TEF, increase in Non Exercise Adaptive Thermogenesis (you just move more outside of exercise) and increase in exercise and/or intensity. The fist is really the only thing that effects metabolism, the rest effect you total daily energy expended.0 -
codsterlaing95 wrote: »No such thing as a "hardgainer" or "fast metabolism"
Eat more.
I must disagree to your statement.. Metabolisms constantly change based on your eating patterns. Two people can weigh the same weight and eat the same calories in a day, but one could gain weight while the other does not.
My metabolism is faster than what it was previously, because I manipulated it. Previously at 73kg I was eating 2200 calories to cut, currently at 73kg I'm eating 2400 calories and cutting.
While there are some that can be considered hard gainers, it would be rare. There are various things that can cause a person to increase their calories: an increase in muscle mass (actually increase to your metabolic rate), different foods effect TEF, increase in Non Exercise Adaptive Thermogenesis (you just move more outside of exercise) and increase in exercise and/or intensity. The fist is really the only thing that effects metabolism, the rest effect you total daily energy expended.
Just a small correction, NEAT is Non-Exercise Activity Thermogensis, Adaptive Thermogeneis is a slight lowering of BMR which is related to wieght loss.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »codsterlaing95 wrote: »No such thing as a "hardgainer" or "fast metabolism"
Eat more.
I must disagree to your statement.. Metabolisms constantly change based on your eating patterns. Two people can weigh the same weight and eat the same calories in a day, but one could gain weight while the other does not.
My metabolism is faster than what it was previously, because I manipulated it. Previously at 73kg I was eating 2200 calories to cut, currently at 73kg I'm eating 2400 calories and cutting.
While there are some that can be considered hard gainers, it would be rare. There are various things that can cause a person to increase their calories: an increase in muscle mass (actually increase to your metabolic rate), different foods effect TEF, increase in Non Exercise Adaptive Thermogenesis (you just move more outside of exercise) and increase in exercise and/or intensity. The fist is really the only thing that effects metabolism, the rest effect you total daily energy expended.
Just a small correction, NEAT is Non-Exercise Activity Thermogensis, Adaptive Thermogeneis is a slight lowering of BMR which is related to wieght loss.
Correct. That was a typo.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »codsterlaing95 wrote: »No such thing as a "hardgainer" or "fast metabolism"
Eat more.
I must disagree to your statement.. Metabolisms constantly change based on your eating patterns. Two people can weigh the same weight and eat the same calories in a day, but one could gain weight while the other does not.
My metabolism is faster than what it was previously, because I manipulated it. Previously at 73kg I was eating 2200 calories to cut, currently at 73kg I'm eating 2400 calories and cutting.
While there are some that can be considered hard gainers, it would be rare. There are various things that can cause a person to increase their calories: an increase in muscle mass (actually increase to your metabolic rate), different foods effect TEF, increase in Non Exercise Adaptive Thermogenesis (you just move more outside of exercise) and increase in exercise and/or intensity. The fist is really the only thing that effects metabolism, the rest effect you total daily energy expended.
Just a small correction, NEAT is Non-Exercise Activity Thermogensis, Adaptive Thermogeneis is a slight lowering of BMR which is related to wieght loss.
Correct. That was a typo.
Autocorrect strikes again!0 -
Elite_nal I am currently going to the gym or work out at home.just started a few weeks, and doing strength training maybe 3-4 days a week. I am also taking Serious Mass protein shake ,that gives u about 1200 calories. This is how I manage to keep up with my daily calorie needs,which the app tells me I need about 2100 a day. I haven't seen any results though what am I doing wrong??0
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sarahi_jesus wrote: »Elite_nal I am currently going to the gym or work out at home.just started a few weeks, and doing strength training maybe 3-4 days a week. I am also taking Serious Mass protein shake ,that gives u about 1200 calories. This is how I manage to keep up with my daily calorie needs,which the app tells me I need about 2100 a day. I haven't seen any results though what am I doing wrong??
What are you trying to achieve? Also, two weeks may not be long enough to determine if things are working. Generally 4 weeks is more advisable. But if you are eating 2100 calories and not gaining, eat more. It really is that simple.0 -
sarahi_jesus wrote: »Elite_nal I am currently going to the gym or work out at home.just started a few weeks, and doing strength training maybe 3-4 days a week. I am also taking Serious Mass protein shake ,that gives u about 1200 calories. This is how I manage to keep up with my daily calorie needs,which the app tells me I need about 2100 a day. I haven't seen any results though what am I doing wrong??
What are you trying to achieve? Also, two weeks may not be long enough to determine if things are working. Generally 4 weeks is more advisable. But if you are eating 2100 calories and not gaining, eat more. It really is that simple.
It's not always that simple! Some of us -well me,anyway -really struggle with this. Mfp set my daily calories at 2030. It may not sound much but there are days when it's a struggle.
However, I manage it with calorie dense snacks plus I add whey protein to full fat chocolate milk.1 -
comptonelizabeth wrote: »sarahi_jesus wrote: »Elite_nal I am currently going to the gym or work out at home.just started a few weeks, and doing strength training maybe 3-4 days a week. I am also taking Serious Mass protein shake ,that gives u about 1200 calories. This is how I manage to keep up with my daily calorie needs,which the app tells me I need about 2100 a day. I haven't seen any results though what am I doing wrong??
What are you trying to achieve? Also, two weeks may not be long enough to determine if things are working. Generally 4 weeks is more advisable. But if you are eating 2100 calories and not gaining, eat more. It really is that simple.
It's not always that simple! Some of us -well me,anyway -really struggle with this. Mfp set my daily calories at 2030. It may not sound much but there are days when it's a struggle.
However, I manage it with calorie dense snacks plus I add whey protein to full fat chocolate milk.
I would be fairly confident that I would have the ability to make it fairly simple to add more calories through modifications in your diet to increase caloric consumption without increased volume, even within the parameters of special dietary needs.
But I do recognize that people have issues with volume consumption and special dietary needs often.2 -
Yes, you probably could
Maybe I should open my diary ....I am starting to get the hang of it. I was fixated before on doing the 3 big meals a day and no snacks as it spoils your appetite (it's how I was bought up! )but I've let go of that and just eat high calorie stuff when I'm hungry, including drinks when I'm not hungry. 0 -
comptonelizabeth wrote: »Yes, you probably could Maybe I should open my diary ....I am starting to get the hang of it. I was fixated before on doing the 3 big meals a day and no snacks as it spoils your appetite (it's how I was bought up! )but I've let go of that and just eat high calorie stuff when I'm hungry, including drinks when I'm not hungry.
Send me a PM if you want help. I can take a look into things. And have you read the below?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10326769/are-you-a-hard-gainer-please-read/p12 -
Thank you,yes I've seen that -it's really helpful.
I will pm you -I'm actually exceeding my calorie goal but progress is slow. Maybe I'm too impatient! Thanks for your help - much appreciated1 -
I struggled to hit 200. And these last 10 are tough. GOMAD (whole milk, chocolate) on top of all my food is making it easier. I recomped from 160.
GOMAD: Gallon of milk a day0 -
I wouldn't spend money on shakes. Just throw milk + ice cream + peanut butter + protein powder into a blender. You'll get two boost pluses in one drink. I gained 35 pounds this way. Only had to go shopping once or twice. It will save you trips vs. buying packages of shakes. Plus you're creating less waste.0
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I wouldn't spend money on shakes. Just throw milk + ice cream + peanut butter + protein powder into a blender. You'll get two boost pluses in one drink. I gained 35 pounds this way. Only had to go shopping once or twice. It will save you trips vs. buying packages of shakes. Plus you're creating less waste.
ice cream and most pb brands are all BAD SUGAR.
BAD SUGAR=DISEASE AND DEATH
+ most dairy has a lot of puss cells and hormones, etc. in it. Research. GROSS.
i believe in shopping regularly and spending $$$ on high-quality, organic calories.2 -
CALS0CCERBEAR87 wrote: »I wouldn't spend money on shakes. Just throw milk + ice cream + peanut butter + protein powder into a blender. You'll get two boost pluses in one drink. I gained 35 pounds this way. Only had to go shopping once or twice. It will save you trips vs. buying packages of shakes. Plus you're creating less waste.
ice cream and most pb brands are all BAD SUGAR.
BAD SUGAR=DISEASE AND DEATH
+ most dairy has a lot of puss cells and hormones, etc. in it. Research. GROSS.
i believe in shopping regularly and spending $$$ on high-quality, organic calories.
She said she doesn't have time or money for shopping.
Besides, everything's bad for you these days. Even breathing air is killing us.
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CALS0CCERBEAR87 wrote: »I wouldn't spend money on shakes. Just throw milk + ice cream + peanut butter + protein powder into a blender. You'll get two boost pluses in one drink. I gained 35 pounds this way. Only had to go shopping once or twice. It will save you trips vs. buying packages of shakes. Plus you're creating less waste.
ice cream and most pb brands are all BAD SUGAR.
BAD SUGAR=DISEASE AND DEATH
+ most dairy has a lot of puss cells and hormones, etc. in it. Research. GROSS.
i believe in shopping regularly and spending $$$ on high-quality, organic calories.
She said she doesn't have time or money for shopping.
Besides, everything's bad for you these days. Even breathing air is killing us.
Boost and Ensure, etc. are actually pretty expensive for what/how much you're getting... compared to better stuff that promote gain...maybe she has more time now seeing this was back in Jan..
whatever man, it's your life...knock yourself out on all the JIF/ben and jerry's your heart desires!0
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