Are you a hard gainer, please read!

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Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    paola11013 wrote: »
    So for bulking, we have to eat like *kitten*? I want to gain weight but I dont want to kill myself in the process. Many of the things you listed, well I kind of feel like I might as well tattoo diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases on my forehead. I'm honestly confused

    Riiiiiight.

    Nowhere does it say to only eat what's on the list... Eat a balanced diet, hit your protein, eat some fruit & veg, go to the list for calorie dense food to make up your calories.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    paola11013 wrote: »
    So for bulking, we have to eat like *kitten*? I want to gain weight but I dont want to kill myself in the process. Many of the things you listed, well I kind of feel like I might as well tattoo diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases on my forehead. I'm honestly confused

    Please read the whole thread.
  • kingkam21 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    can you add that hard gainers are a myth too please?
    If a fast metabolism is a myth than why do I poop after every meal?? I've been skiny my whole life, as a kid I used to eat over 10 pb&js back to back and remain skinny. I used to eat lettuce bowls of ice cream to myself, 2 large burritos from Alberto's to myself and after all this, I still ate more as a kid. And I am the same way now, except I go to the gym now and eat more beneficial foods. As a kid, I ate more than anyone in my family. And I literally pooped after every meal, 4+ times a day. My dad told me he was the same way as a kid, and his dad was the same aswell. If this is not a fast metabolism than what is it??? Yes I was active as a kid, but aren't all kids active. I'm 8 months into my body building journey and I am confused about this topic, because I believe I have a fast metabolism because I poop 4-6 times a day (after eating 4-6 meals a day). If it's a myth than is there something wrong with me internally??

    No, not all kids are active. I wasn't and ate a lot. I could put down bags of cookies and at least a half gallon of ice cream by myself. I always had a problem with sweets!
  • aydamn
    aydamn Posts: 1 Member
    I'm trying my best to bulk.. I am on 3500 calories a day... but I am still struggling.

    I have to eat mainly clean because I need to.lower inflammation in my body and sugar from processed crap. No choice.

    But I do include some junk for.quick calories

    I workout 5 times a weak heavy lifting.

    I eat 5 times a day.. I have a desk job

    But my body is burning calories.too fast... I can't maintain more than 3500 i dont have the time..

    Hard gainer is not a myth.... I just need 5 kilos more.
  • Hamsibian
    Hamsibian Posts: 1,388 Member
    @Aydamn 2 things to consider:

    1.are you weighing your food?
    2. Could you workout less (maybe full body workouts 2 or 3 times a week)?

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    aydamn wrote: »
    I'm trying my best to bulk.. I am on 3500 calories a day... but I am still struggling.

    I have to eat mainly clean because I need to.lower inflammation in my body and sugar from processed crap. No choice.

    But I do include some junk for.quick calories

    I workout 5 times a weak heavy lifting.

    I eat 5 times a day.. I have a desk job

    But my body is burning calories.too fast... I can't maintain more than 3500 i dont have the time..

    Hard gainer is not a myth.... I just need 5 kilos more.

    There are plenty of high quality whole foods that are very high in calories that can be eaten to help get your calories up. Fstty fish, red meats, dark meat chicken, avocado, chocolate milk, full fat milks, etc.... And 3250-3750 is about average for most male bulks. But if you very active than you shoule consider lowering activity level if you can.
  • empresslove295
    empresslove295 Posts: 2 Member
    Yes
  • daveed925
    daveed925 Posts: 4 Member
    Hmmm... just a word on my experince. I have always said that I was a hard gainer until I really started scrutinizing my macros/calorie intake. With a goal in mind the first hurdle was learning what to eat to make my body repond. Mixing up my protiens from mulitple variaties of meat and the like as an example. I decided that every ounce of food I put in body was going to be as calorie dense and as healthy possible to make my goals a reality while maintaining health. Other factors were envolved like workout intesity and rest of-course but honestly my bigest weaknes at the beginning was just plain accountability for the food and quantities I was choosing. There are basic macro numbers that anyone can follow but the bottom line is a math equation; calories in vs calories out as stated in previous posts in other words. Ultimately I wanted to keep things simple and achievable and so making small changes became sustainable. If I was not gaining I ate more spread out over multiple meals.
    The second hurdle I faced was food timing, frequency of meals and specificly what foods I ate depending on how I felt. I really needed to listen to my body and journal how I was feeling from day to day. Anything from how I was feeling in the am out of bed to how I was feeling before/durring and after a WO. Based on that I augmented my food choices to improve performance and my well being.
    My third hurdle was being flexable and trusting the process. We all want to achieve the goal we set for outselves but often we dont allow for time to achieve those goals. Stay the course, Dont listen to negativity and be focused.
    These were some preliminary struggles I had and there have been much more but once I got into the swing of things I was able to gain 16lbs of leam muscle mass hovering at 6-7% body fat and competing for the first time. Its doable!
    I am a firm beliver that 90% of my personal achievements have been met in the kitchen followed up by determination, plain hard work and patients in the gym. No substitutions or shortcuts.
  • AthenaBosi
    AthenaBosi Posts: 27 Member
    I just read at the top that calorie fluctuations can cause fat gains. So let's say I didn't reach my calorie goal one day. Is it bad to make up for it the next day? Cuz I've tried doing it even tho it's hard. Is it better to let it go and start the next day fresh?
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    AthenaBosi wrote: »
    I just read at the top that calorie fluctuations can cause fat gains. So let's say I didn't reach my calorie goal one day. Is it bad to make up for it the next day? Cuz I've tried doing it even tho it's hard. Is it better to let it go and start the next day fresh?

    Start the day fresh. Your body csn only create so much muscle in a given day. So its not like fat loss where you can make up.
  • Stephany11202019
    Stephany11202019 Posts: 20 Member
    Well. Idk if “hard gainers” scientifically is true, but I do know for me it seems to be (in terms of just eating how I normally would). Which growing up involved all three main meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and snacks. After school I would always be searching the cupboards for all the snacks I could find. I’d usually have a little bit of everything. Aka a couple or few difficult things. Genetics play a factor in everyone’s body make up. But possibly even more-so related to genetics for me. I have a heart condition (aka a connective tissue disorder). And in my heart condition it is seen that people with it have a very hard time gaining weight. Also some of the physical characteristics of the disease are tall, slender, skinny (I can’t remember if they use this word too, but they for sure use slender), long fingers, long legs etc.

    Honestly I’ve always wondered why I was so skinny.

    Wether it’s because of the condition or not I know it is at least part of it. There’s no mistaking that.


    So that’s why I added this app. Because it’s just getting to me lately. My boyfriend can eat way more than me n it amazes me and perplexes me at the same time. I added this app so I could increase my calorie intake and see it being reached (the amount I need to consume in order to gain weight). Idk if it’s going to work, but I’m going to try. It has to work.

    If anyone doesn’t believe me or wants to know more about it look it up if you want. It’s called Marfan Syndrome. And I was looking things up online (n it says they still don’t understand why people like me have a hard time gaining weight) n added at the end the only thing they can offer is suggesting to see a dietitian and follow the pyramid guidelines.

    It even says on there that as people get older (who has Marfan syndrome) that they tend to gain weight in the middle region. Hoping it doesn’t happen to me because I don’t want a huge stomach. Just good proportionate meat division. If you know what I mean. Some here, there, there, n there. With out going into any details.
  • Stephany11202019
    Stephany11202019 Posts: 20 Member
    Also I forgot to ask. Is this discussion focused more on building muscle while gaining weight or could it be helpful for if you just want to gain weight?
  • Stephany11202019
    Stephany11202019 Posts: 20 Member
    I suggest looking up Marfan Syndrome weight issues. It isn’t always mentioned when going through the run through of the condition. You know. ..... those bullet point lists.
  • Stephany11202019
    Stephany11202019 Posts: 20 Member
    Here a picture. This is from one of their website. There’s even a main website for it. I believe this is it.0be7cdnumvfl.png
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Also I forgot to ask. Is this discussion focused more on building muscle while gaining weight or could it be helpful for if you just want to gain weight?

    Its for anyone who is looking to gain weight. I would recommend tracking calories for 2-3 weeks and adjust from there. Its quite possible that those with your syndrome, have struggles adding enough calories.
  • kdaacrawford
    kdaacrawford Posts: 1 Member
    Old thread but I’m new. Due to pacemaker surgery last summer I have lost a total of 20lbs. My weight last week was 91 lbs I only stand 4 11 but am way to skinny. Dr has finally released me back to the gym but wants me to limit cardio and focus on weights. Ugh not my strong point. I have added 1 ensure drink a day to my 3 meals and 2lbs to the + at this point. High cholesterol means limit to fat again ugh. I believe if I make my warm up and cool down my only cardio then this will help. I hate whey drinks, I just can’t do it. Goal is 105lbs
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Old thread but I’m new. Due to pacemaker surgery last summer I have lost a total of 20lbs. My weight last week was 91 lbs I only stand 4 11 but am way to skinny. Dr has finally released me back to the gym but wants me to limit cardio and focus on weights. Ugh not my strong point. I have added 1 ensure drink a day to my 3 meals and 2lbs to the + at this point. High cholesterol means limit to fat again ugh. I believe if I make my warm up and cool down my only cardio then this will help. I hate whey drinks, I just can’t do it. Goal is 105lbs

    Good luck. Make sure you incorporate plenty of plant based fats and fatty fish. High cholesterol isn't always a good indicator. Your other numbers (triglycerides, A1C, LDL, etc.... ) all have important implacations. What i have found is that dietary fat has little to no impact on most those numbers.

    I would recommend gaining weight slowly and following a structured resistance routine to help mitagate fat gains.
  • alexaltair
    alexaltair Posts: 2 Member
    Sounds a bit "easy" for me, a lot of people can digest everything. But it is a harder for me to choose something from the list (I do have IBS, lactose intolerance).
    The best way I found so far is frequent meals with meats, salomon, chicken breast, oat, buckwheat, nuts.
  • martinezselenaa7992
    martinezselenaa7992 Posts: 3 Member
    Im 24 weight 100 too skinny i need help with names of foods to eat or what can i do i want some legs and bubble butt please help me
  • SossyDubois
    SossyDubois Posts: 1 Member
    Pizza, honey buns and as much cheese? Why not a couple extra tablespoons of coconut or olive oil or an avocado? I don't think it would be wise to remove all other factors of health aside from caloric intake.... For me that's gunna make me feel like garbage, which will reduce my activity levels. I'd definitely gain weight tho...
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    Pizza, honey buns and as much cheese? Why not a couple extra tablespoons of coconut or olive oil or an avocado? I don't think it would be wise to remove all other factors of health aside from caloric intake.... For me that's gunna make me feel like garbage, which will reduce my activity levels. I'd definitely gain weight tho...

    I don't think anyone is saying to throw nutrition out the window, but to get those extra calories in nothing wrong with those types of foods to fill in the gaps. They are typically less filling and easy to overeat (which is good in this case). There are many different calorie dense food options and you should chose what you feel is best for you and makes you feel good. For me some of those high sugar foods are less filling and actually help my workout performance (where I feel extra oil or avocado would not).
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    edited March 2020
    Pizza, honey buns and as much cheese? Why not a couple extra tablespoons of coconut or olive oil or an avocado? I don't think it would be wise to remove all other factors of health aside from caloric intake.... For me that's gunna make me feel like garbage, which will reduce my activity levels. I'd definitely gain weight tho...

    You should probably actually read the thread. That has been discussed ad nauseam through out this entire post.
  • darreneatschicken
    darreneatschicken Posts: 669 Member
    edited March 2020
    How can you hit your daily caloric goals without going over your fat intake? Right now my goals are: 2700 calories, 45% carbs, 30% fats, 25% protein which = 304 carbs, 90 fat, and 169 protein.

    I find I can easily hit my caloric goals if I stuff myself with fatty meats like steak, beef, and salmon. But then I go over my fat intake and also have less room for carbs.

    Maybe I should try to eat "starchier" foods such as bread, potato, and pasta? I find that eating "healthier" carbs such as sweet potatoes, rice, and quinoa fill me up, but don't really add much to my caloric or carbohydrate intake.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    How can you hit your daily caloric goals without going over your fat intake? Right now my goals are: 2700 calories, 45% carbs, 30% fats, 25% protein which = 304 carbs, 90 fat, and 169 protein.

    I find I can easily hit my caloric goals if I stuff myself with fatty meats like steak, beef, and salmon. But then I go over my fat intake and also have less room for carbs.

    Maybe I should try to eat "starchier" foods such as bread, potato, and pasta? I find that eating "healthier" carbs such as sweet potatoes, rice, and quinoa fill me up, but don't really add much to my caloric or carbohydrate intake.

    There is nothing wrong with going over your fat goal. I could run a bulk with 60% fats and be fine. What is important is calories.
  • darreneatschicken
    darreneatschicken Posts: 669 Member
    edited March 2020
    psuLemon wrote: »
    How can you hit your daily caloric goals without going over your fat intake? Right now my goals are: 2700 calories, 45% carbs, 30% fats, 25% protein which = 304 carbs, 90 fat, and 169 protein.

    I find I can easily hit my caloric goals if I stuff myself with fatty meats like steak, beef, and salmon. But then I go over my fat intake and also have less room for carbs.

    Maybe I should try to eat "starchier" foods such as bread, potato, and pasta? I find that eating "healthier" carbs such as sweet potatoes, rice, and quinoa fill me up, but don't really add much to my caloric or carbohydrate intake.

    There is nothing wrong with going over your fat goal. I could run a bulk with 60% fats and be fine. What is important is calories.

    Then how come I keep hearing that your fat intake should only be about 30% of your daily intake?
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    psuLemon wrote: »
    How can you hit your daily caloric goals without going over your fat intake? Right now my goals are: 2700 calories, 45% carbs, 30% fats, 25% protein which = 304 carbs, 90 fat, and 169 protein.

    I find I can easily hit my caloric goals if I stuff myself with fatty meats like steak, beef, and salmon. But then I go over my fat intake and also have less room for carbs.

    Maybe I should try to eat "starchier" foods such as bread, potato, and pasta? I find that eating "healthier" carbs such as sweet potatoes, rice, and quinoa fill me up, but don't really add much to my caloric or carbohydrate intake.

    There is nothing wrong with going over your fat goal. I could run a bulk with 60% fats and be fine. What is important is calories.

    Then how come I keep hearing that your fat intake should only be about 30% of your daily intake?

    Because the sources you are looking at provide random guidelines??? Or over generalizations?

    There is a lot of myths that haven't gone away as it is related to fat. Just get the fat from whole foods instead of processed foods and you are good.
  • pascalgerritsen
    pascalgerritsen Posts: 1 Member
    Then how come I keep hearing that your fat intake should only be about 30% of your daily intake?

    Read section 4 (scrolled to automatically if you click here) of this article.

    TL/DR: you need all types of fat except trans fats and the percentages don't matter that much (ranging from 20% to 75%) as what does matters are the total calories.
  • darreneatschicken
    darreneatschicken Posts: 669 Member
    edited April 2020
    Then how come I keep hearing that your fat intake should only be about 30% of your daily intake?

    Read section 4 (scrolled to automatically if you click here) of this article.

    TL/DR: you need all types of fat except trans fats and the percentages don't matter that much (ranging from 20% to 75%) as what does matters are the total calories.

    Yeah. I changed my macros to 45% carbs, 35% fats, and 20% protein. Finding it much easier to hit my caloric goals now because I can eat pizza and steak all day long.
  • darreneatschicken
    darreneatschicken Posts: 669 Member
    edited April 2020
    I can't help but wonder though... if someone does a bulk with his daily fats set at a lower percentage, will his gains be "leaner" than someone who bulks with a very high fat consumption?

    Like take two people. They both are male, weigh the same, are the same height and are the same age. They both run the same program and both eat at a caloric surplus of 250 calories a day.

    However, person A eats with a 30% carbs, 50% fats, and 20% protein macro split.

    Person B eats with a 50% carbs, 30% fats, and 20% protein macro split.

    Will their results be the same? Or will person A gain more fat than person B simply because he consumed more fat?
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    I can't help but wonder though... if someone does a bulk with his daily fats set at a lower percentage, will his gains be "leaner" than someone who bulks with a very high fat consumption?

    Like take two people. They both are male, weigh the same, are the same height and are the same age. They both run the same program and both eat at a caloric surplus of 250 calories a day.

    However, person A eats with a 30% carbs, 50% fats, and 20% protein macro split.

    Person B eats with a 50% carbs, 30% fats, and 20% protein macro split.

    Will their results be the same? Or will person A gain more fat than person B simply because he consumed more fat?

    Lean bulk refers to the amount of calories over maintenance. Not the macro percentage.