Gain Weight on Clean Calories?

thesatch88
thesatch88 Posts: 27 Member
edited January 5 in Food and Nutrition
I started using MFP at the beggining of this month, and I love that it helps me eat healthier. However, while most peoples goals on here are to lose weight, I am trying to build. I'm currently 6'6", 260, would like to be 285-300. My problem is that I feel like I eat all day, and still cant eat the calories I need to not be in a calorie deficit. I got a fitness test a few months ago, it says my maintenance level is 3700 calories a day. MFP suggests 2390, which I obviously want to exceed. Any suggestions on very callorically dense foods that arent high in fat, sodium, etc. and wont break the bank?

Replies

  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    I started using MFP at the beggining of this month, and I love that it helps me eat healthier. However, while most peoples goals on here are to lose weight, I am trying to build. I'm currently 6'6", 260, would like to be 285-300. My problem is that I feel like I eat all day, and still cant eat the calories I need to not be in a calorie deficit. I got a fitness test a few months ago, it says my maintenance level is 3700 calories a day. MFP suggests 2390, which I obviously want to exceed. Any suggestions on very callorically dense foods that arent high in fat, sodium, etc. and wont break the bank?

    Why are you avoiding fat?

    Fat has 9 calories per gram and as such, it's going to be calorie dense.

    Can you decrease activity to lower your TDEE?
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Any suggestions on very callorically dense foods that arent high in fat, sodium, etc. and wont break the bank?

    I don't understand this... sounds like you're asking for car suggestions that aren't cars?

    Calorie dense foods... the densest have fats. Things like nuts and seeds are great. Is there a reason you are avoiding fats? And aren't you trying to "break the bank" since you're having trouble hitting your goals?
  • zaph0d
    zaph0d Posts: 1,172 Member
    Ice cream (get over your phobia of dietary fat)
  • thesatch88
    thesatch88 Posts: 27 Member
    sorry, Im ok with unsaturated fats, just seems like the only way to pile on calories is with saturated fats. as to breaking the bank, I was reffering to my wallet.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    sorry, Im ok with unsaturated fats, just seems like the only way to pile on calories is with saturated fats. as to breaking the bank, I was reffering to my wallet.

    Saturated fats aren't the horrible thing so many people have made them out be. IMO, one of the best meals you can have is a nice big steak. 1000cals easily, all protein and fat... just what the body needs. I like tenderloin, but it's one of the most expensive cuts. Ribeye is very popular too, and much less expensive.

    I go back to what I said before... nuts and seeds. Also, whole milk, non-fat-free dairy of any kind, really... cheeses, yogurt, etc.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    sorry, Im ok with unsaturated fats, just seems like the only way to pile on calories is with saturated fats. as to breaking the bank, I was reffering to my wallet.

    Saturated fats aren't the horrible thing so many people have made them out be. IMO, one of the best meals you can have is a nice big steak. 1000cals easily, all protein and fat... just what the body needs. I like tenderloin, but it's one of the most expensive cuts. Ribeye is very popular too, and much less expensive.

    I go back to what I said before... nuts and seeds. Also, whole milk, non-fat-free dairy of any kind, really... cheeses, yogurt, etc.

    I'm going to assume you meant "aren't" and not "are"?
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    sorry, Im ok with unsaturated fats, just seems like the only way to pile on calories is with saturated fats. as to breaking the bank, I was reffering to my wallet.

    Saturated fats aren't the horrible thing so many people have made them out be. IMO, one of the best meals you can have is a nice big steak. 1000cals easily, all protein and fat... just what the body needs. I like tenderloin, but it's one of the most expensive cuts. Ribeye is very popular too, and much less expensive.

    I go back to what I said before... nuts and seeds. Also, whole milk, non-fat-free dairy of any kind, really... cheeses, yogurt, etc.

    I'm going to assume you meant "aren't" and not "are"?

    Correct... good catch.


    *editing original post...*
  • ctbloom
    ctbloom Posts: 23 Member
    Bro, when I started trying to gain, I stayed away from fats as well. instead of getting big, I remained small, pissed off, and tired. Throw some peanut butter in with your meals or something of that sort. I'm 6'2, 205, and gaining about 1 pound per week at 5000 calories. You can do it. Ya just gotta find out how your body works.
  • thesatch88
    thesatch88 Posts: 27 Member
    Well, I will give it a go, I try to snack all day as is. My diary is public, if either of you wanted to take a look at the last couple days and let me know of any suggestions you have, it would be appreciated.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Whole milk, full fat cheese, any kind of nut (or nut butter) or seed. Cook things in oil or butter. Eat fattier cuts of meat (Steak, or 80/20 ground beef instead of 93/7 for example). Complete eggs (90 calories a piece for jumbo typically). Cheesecake for dessert? ;)

    Could always use weight gainer type protein shakes if you were really in a pinch. Something like Gaspari Real Mass is 600+ calories per serving. Mix it with whole milk and maybe even some peanut butter and you'll have a whole lot of calories.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Well, I will give it a go, I try to snack all day as is. My diary is public, if either of you wanted to take a look at the last couple days and let me know of any suggestions you have, it would be appreciated.

    Don't forget easy snacks like (already mentioned) nuts. A handful of peanuts or almonds is an easy 200 calories. Or even something like a Larabar or a Clif Bar. They are pretty much just nuts and fruits and such. Pretty dense.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    For my third post in a row...

    Looking at your diary it looks pretty good. You're just eating small quantities. 500 calorie steak for lunch, that was it? I'm on way less calories than you and I usually get 700-1000 calories for lunch. Just start increasing your portions slowly and you'll make be fine. Eat 2 bananas in the morning instead of one. Instead of 2 eggs, have 4 or 6. Add more cheese and include some ham or bacon or sausage to it. Stuff like that.
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