Gaining Weight

LeonieChristina
LeonieChristina Posts: 2
in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
Hi! I have been on the app for about a week or so now and really seeing no progress! I am a 22 F weighting 7 stone 5'4, with what appears to be a very high metabolism. I have always been skinny and eat good full meals in a day. I am averaging 2300 calories per day with no shift in my weight upwards. I generally eat a lot of veg in a day and 1-2 fruit for the healthy living.

Has anyone got any tips?
Any meal plans that would work?
Any foods that will bulk?
Would more exercise help?

Thank you!

Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    You are actively trying to gain at this point I assume?

    Veggies are nice- but they are filling and low calorie (which makes them great options for losing weight) but not so good for gaining.

    You need to have a balanced well rounded diet- but if you can't gain on 2300- you're just not eating enough. Carbs are essential for bulking.

    If you aren't adding some quality starchy foods- potatoes- pasta- oatmeal- pizza- ice cream whatever- your going to be struggling.

    Tips? Pick high calorie foods that are not as filling
    Drink calories if you cant' eat them

    Meal Plan? there is no "meal plan" only what works for you and is sustainable
    Specific foods for bulking? not really- just more of the foods you like- high calorie foods- I really like oreos + ice cream at the end of the day- milk is fantastic-all sorts of good things there- don't pick up low fat ANYTHING.

    More exercise? well you should be on a lifting program- if you aren't- you probably won't be happy with the weight you do put on- something progressive like strong lifts- starting strength- new rules of lifting- all great places to start working rom.


    Hopefully that helps!!! Ask away if you have more questions :)
  • icrushit
    icrushit Posts: 773 Member
    Maybe a nice big high calorie shake in addition to your normal intake ? Bodybuilders looking to bulk up typically tend to throw oats, banana, milk and peanut butter in a blender and drink. You should be able to get a handy 600/ 700/ 800 calories just from one of these, and if you're already eating enough calories to maintain your weight, simply cut out the shakes when you reach your intended weight to maintain ? :)
  • LeonieChristina
    LeonieChristina Posts: 2
    Wow thank you for the fast replies!

    I have been running and have started pilates but trying to weigh that out with calories is frustrating. I think your advice to lift and build strength would be the best way to go about it. Continuing to eat carbs and eating a lot more of them! I always feel guilty about pigging out on ice cream and such but I think I need to get over that hurdle or I will never put on anything.

    Drinking past the full feeling is my sticking point at the moment, but I think my body is just not used to the amount of calories so I need to gradually work my diet up.

    Thank you!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Peanut butter
  • AliceDark
    AliceDark Posts: 3,886 Member
    Certified Pilates instructor here. Pilates is not a progressive resistance program, especially if you're just doing Mat work, so it's not going to result in muscle growth. If you are doing Reformer or Chair work, AND your instructor has designed a program that focuses on increasing resistance over time, you may get a very small amount of muscle gain, BUT that's in terms of ounces, not pounds, of muscle. (There are a small number of Pilates exercises that can be performed in that way, and the machines only allow for a small amount of increased resistance).

    Also, you're 5'4" and 98 pounds? That's a BMI of 16.82, which is very underweight. You should really get checked out by a doctor to make sure it's okay for you to exercise. Depending on how long you've been underweight, you could be at increased risk for a lot of complications, including a heart attack.
  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
    You would need to gain to around 108 Ibs, to be the minimum considered to be healthy, if one is using BMI. That is 7 stone 10, so about 10 Ibs. Might take you a while to gain, but I am sure it is doable if you really want to achieve this. That said, if your body is just naturally it's current low weight, and you have always eaten enough, then remaining at a higher weight might be quite challenging.
  • namedoesntexist
    namedoesntexist Posts: 3 Member
    as far as i know, is it better to follow MFP recommended calories or is it better to adjust your own calories?

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