I'm just a skinny girl trying to get thick...

I am on MFP to lose weight but I have been in your position. I think it is easier to lose weight than to gain. At 5'8" a healthy "norm" for me was between 128 and 135. I find that my mental state greatly effects my weight. I do not usually try to gain or loose but find it is an indicator of health. When stressed I would weight 108 and look like a skeleton. When bad health impacted me and finally getting diagnosed with IBD (including surgeries) my weight balloned up to 230. I recently had surgery and still have a "pot" but the rest of me is slim-ish. My arms and legs and bust are definitely out of proportion so I am trying to lose down (again) to 155 where I would like to stay. I will probably have to go lower and then eat like a body builder and work out to gain muscle and fat instead of just fat. I went into menopause early and my weight went up. Once it was discovered what it was and I went o hormones my weight got normal. Then I got breast cancer and was taken off hormones and my weight went up again. This is spread over 30 years so I do nothing drastic (until now) to change it. This is a first for me trying to lose weight but I realize now that messing with it to try and gain may have caused some gastro problems. I urge you to be cautious and do not worry so much about it. I found that full skirts, elastic top pants and loads of sweaters helped. Bathing suits...well that could be a problem as I always felt I had rags tied on bones. Best advice I can give...relax and do not think about it. It will make you crazy...at least it did me!

Hey..girl I understand what your going through. I've always been the "skinny chick." I came across this liquid vitamin call apetamin. It gives you an appetite. I'm on day 2 and I've been able to get up to 3000 calories. So look this up and hopefully you can get to your goal. have a good day

I agree with psulemon, the healthier way to gain weight is to build lean muscle.

peaceout_aly wrote: »

Clearly, you have to eat in a surplus (more than maintenance calories) and if working out, you need to make sure you eat back whatever calories you are burning. A lot of MFP members say that "all calories are the same" and that it doesn't matter if you meet this calorie allowance by eating junk food or eating clean, but from my experience, it does make a difference. Like you, I am small and while I had a nice foundation of booty and legs, I still struggle to "gain." I've found that eating low sugar (around 50-60 grams) and high carbs (150 grams)/proteins (114 grams - your body weight should be your goal - so if you are 95 lbs. eat 95 grams of protein) has helped me actually gain in areas that I want to gain and build that muscle. Of course, you are going to have to lift along with eating in a surplus. There are tons of great fitness enthusiasts that you can follow on Instagram for exercises and getting a trainer to show you the ropes would be a good idea. Focus on squats, squat variations, kick backs, cable and band work, leg press, and building that weight up slowly but surely. You should see results in no time!

It would be very difficult for a person to meet their nutritional needs by eating a lot of junk food, considering junk is typically ultra processed and has little nutrients. And if you, too, struggle to gain weight, it it possible that is because of your limitations on foods.

And personally, I would rather advise people to followed a structured lifting routine as opposed to specific moves as it will provide adequate volume and maximize efficiency. Ideally, you want a hypertrophy program that focuses on compound moves (targeting multiple major muscle groups) that will maximize training volume (generally, hitting the major muscle every 48 hours). And if you have extra time, then add in some isometric moves.

psulemon wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

Clearly, you have to eat in a surplus (more than maintenance calories) and if working out, you need to make sure you eat back whatever calories you are burning. A lot of MFP members say that "all calories are the same" and that it doesn't matter if you meet this calorie allowance by eating junk food or eating clean, but from my experience, it does make a difference. Like you, I am small and while I had a nice foundation of booty and legs, I still struggle to "gain." I've found that eating low sugar (around 50-60 grams) and high carbs (150 grams)/proteins (114 grams - your body weight should be your goal - so if you are 95 lbs. eat 95 grams of protein) has helped me actually gain in areas that I want to gain and build that muscle. Of course, you are going to have to lift along with eating in a surplus. There are tons of great fitness enthusiasts that you can follow on Instagram for exercises and getting a trainer to show you the ropes would be a good idea. Focus on squats, squat variations, kick backs, cable and band work, leg press, and building that weight up slowly but surely. You should see results in no time!

It would be very difficult for a person to meet their nutritional needs by eating a lot of junk food, considering junk is typically ultra processed and has little nutrients. And if you, too, struggle to gain weight, it it possible that is because of your limitations on foods.

And personally, I would rather advise people to followed a structured lifting routine as opposed to specific moves as it will provide adequate volume and maximize efficiency. Ideally, you want a hypertrophy program that focuses on compound moves (targeting multiple major muscle groups) that will maximize training volume (generally, hitting the major muscle every 48 hours). And if you have extra time, then add in some isometric moves.

Limitations on foods? I eat only high protein, low-sugar foods = non-processed, organic homemade meals that are full of healthy and nutrition packed calories. And I was NOT suggesting eating junk food, but the majority of people on here SWEAR that as long as you meet your cals/stay at your deficit then you are "eating healthy," which is something I disagree with.

Add some 'heavy' starches - whole grain pasta, breads, etc. Not a lot, for example on days you work out eat a nice big bowl of pasta for dinner. Keep eating good and clean but try spreading your meals out a bit so you can increase your calories without being bloated and full. When I bulked I went from 5-6 moderate meals to sometimes 8 just to hit my calories (I would hit 6-8000 daily back in my younger days as a bodybuilder). Try a weight gain type protein after your workout (watch labels, some are better than others and you don't necessarily HAVE to take the full serving which might be 4+ scoops). Bottom line is gaining weight is the opposite of losing - you need to take in more than you expend. However to keep from spilling over and being fat or having a 'pot' as you said you need to work out the right way.

If you want a 'booty' (sorry, but that's what my clients have said in the past!) here's the secret - slow, low, heavy squats with proper form. Bottom your *kitten* out to your heels with a slow, controlled negative, then explode back up to the top squeezing your butt and driving with your hips. Go heavy!!! It shouldn't be easy. Another secret that nobody wants to hear is to smash that stairmaster for 20-30 minutes at a moderate rate progressing to 30-60 minutes. Hit it 3-4 times a week. It's not easy but it will work your thighs and *kitten* like nothing else will and the calories you burn will help keep your stomach tight. You can even stretch your calves as you step to tone them as well. Then throw your in dumbbell lunges and learn how to do still legged deadlifts with either a smith machine or dumbbells and you'll be on your way. Those female - themed workouts from curves and magazines will only get you so far before you will eventually realize to get those thicker thighs and *kitten* you want you'll need to start moving weight. Good Luck!!!

peaceout_aly wrote: »

psulemon wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

Clearly, you have to eat in a surplus (more than maintenance calories) and if working out, you need to make sure you eat back whatever calories you are burning. A lot of MFP members say that "all calories are the same" and that it doesn't matter if you meet this calorie allowance by eating junk food or eating clean, but from my experience, it does make a difference. Like you, I am small and while I had a nice foundation of booty and legs, I still struggle to "gain." I've found that eating low sugar (around 50-60 grams) and high carbs (150 grams)/proteins (114 grams - your body weight should be your goal - so if you are 95 lbs. eat 95 grams of protein) has helped me actually gain in areas that I want to gain and build that muscle. Of course, you are going to have to lift along with eating in a surplus. There are tons of great fitness enthusiasts that you can follow on Instagram for exercises and getting a trainer to show you the ropes would be a good idea. Focus on squats, squat variations, kick backs, cable and band work, leg press, and building that weight up slowly but surely. You should see results in no time!

It would be very difficult for a person to meet their nutritional needs by eating a lot of junk food, considering junk is typically ultra processed and has little nutrients. And if you, too, struggle to gain weight, it it possible that is because of your limitations on foods.

And personally, I would rather advise people to followed a structured lifting routine as opposed to specific moves as it will provide adequate volume and maximize efficiency. Ideally, you want a hypertrophy program that focuses on compound moves (targeting multiple major muscle groups) that will maximize training volume (generally, hitting the major muscle every 48 hours). And if you have extra time, then add in some isometric moves.

Limitations on foods? I eat only high protein, low-sugar foods = non-processed, organic homemade meals that are full of healthy and nutrition packed calories. And I was NOT suggesting eating junk food, but the majority of people on here SWEAR that as long as you meet your cals/stay at your deficit then you are "eating healthy," which is something I disagree with.

I mean, your diary just from the last 2 days lists Quest bars, protein shakes, cream cheese, non-dairy creamer, breaded chicken breasts and a Starbucks drink. So, you really don't eat that way. And that's okay, you don't have to. That's the point.

taahirac001 wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

psulemon wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

Clearly, you have to eat in a surplus (more than maintenance calories) and if working out, you need to make sure you eat back whatever calories you are burning. A lot of MFP members say that "all calories are the same" and that it doesn't matter if you meet this calorie allowance by eating junk food or eating clean, but from my experience, it does make a difference. Like you, I am small and while I had a nice foundation of booty and legs, I still struggle to "gain." I've found that eating low sugar (around 50-60 grams) and high carbs (150 grams)/proteins (114 grams - your body weight should be your goal - so if you are 95 lbs. eat 95 grams of protein) has helped me actually gain in areas that I want to gain and build that muscle. Of course, you are going to have to lift along with eating in a surplus. There are tons of great fitness enthusiasts that you can follow on Instagram for exercises and getting a trainer to show you the ropes would be a good idea. Focus on squats, squat variations, kick backs, cable and band work, leg press, and building that weight up slowly but surely. You should see results in no time!

It would be very difficult for a person to meet their nutritional needs by eating a lot of junk food, considering junk is typically ultra processed and has little nutrients. And if you, too, struggle to gain weight, it it possible that is because of your limitations on foods.

And personally, I would rather advise people to followed a structured lifting routine as opposed to specific moves as it will provide adequate volume and maximize efficiency. Ideally, you want a hypertrophy program that focuses on compound moves (targeting multiple major muscle groups) that will maximize training volume (generally, hitting the major muscle every 48 hours). And if you have extra time, then add in some isometric moves.

Limitations on foods? I eat only high protein, low-sugar foods = non-processed, organic homemade meals that are full of healthy and nutrition packed calories. And I was NOT suggesting eating junk food, but the majority of people on here SWEAR that as long as you meet your cals/stay at your deficit then you are "eating healthy," which is something I disagree with.

I also disagree. My diet is same as yours. Everything is non gmo, organic, low to zero sugars, homemade. Your body also feels great when you get rid of all the junk.

No one is suggesting a diet high in junk (again, this isn't an all or nothing thing, its a dietary context discussion). Like I said before, I eat highly nutritious foods (I aim for fish 3-4x a week, fiber at 30-40g a day, unsaturated fats, whole grains with minimal additives, etc...). But if you can't reach your calorie goal because dietary limitations, than you are going to be spinning your wheels. There is no superiority by only eating non GMO, organic, low sugar foods. That is personal choice. And it doesn't guarantee that your body or health will be better.

But keep in mind, sugar, in the context of spiking insulin, to enable growth, is key. And the best way to spike insulin is by eating sugar.

peaceout_aly wrote: »

psulemon wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

Clearly, you have to eat in a surplus (more than maintenance calories) and if working out, you need to make sure you eat back whatever calories you are burning. A lot of MFP members say that "all calories are the same" and that it doesn't matter if you meet this calorie allowance by eating junk food or eating clean, but from my experience, it does make a difference. Like you, I am small and while I had a nice foundation of booty and legs, I still struggle to "gain." I've found that eating low sugar (around 50-60 grams) and high carbs (150 grams)/proteins (114 grams - your body weight should be your goal - so if you are 95 lbs. eat 95 grams of protein) has helped me actually gain in areas that I want to gain and build that muscle. Of course, you are going to have to lift along with eating in a surplus. There are tons of great fitness enthusiasts that you can follow on Instagram for exercises and getting a trainer to show you the ropes would be a good idea. Focus on squats, squat variations, kick backs, cable and band work, leg press, and building that weight up slowly but surely. You should see results in no time!

It would be very difficult for a person to meet their nutritional needs by eating a lot of junk food, considering junk is typically ultra processed and has little nutrients. And if you, too, struggle to gain weight, it it possible that is because of your limitations on foods.

And personally, I would rather advise people to followed a structured lifting routine as opposed to specific moves as it will provide adequate volume and maximize efficiency. Ideally, you want a hypertrophy program that focuses on compound moves (targeting multiple major muscle groups) that will maximize training volume (generally, hitting the major muscle every 48 hours). And if you have extra time, then add in some isometric moves.

Limitations on foods? I eat only high protein, low-sugar foods = non-processed, organic homemade meals that are full of healthy and nutrition packed calories. And I was NOT suggesting eating junk food, but the majority of people on here SWEAR that as long as you meet your cals/stay at your deficit then you are "eating healthy," which is something I disagree with.

"Healthy" is dependent on your goals. If your goal is to gain weight, you will be unsuccessful unless you can make food choices that will allow you to remain in a caloric surplus; therefore, the best food choices in that context are the ones that allow you to continue to eat at a surplus. If it's 9pm and you still have 500 calories to eat, more chicken and broccoli (or yogurt and berries, whatever) may not be the best choice IF you can't choke it down. In that situation, something like ice cream may be easier to eat, and so it's the most healthy choice given your stated goals.

(And if you haven't had a day when it's late, you're full and you still need to eat more, you haven't been bulking long enough. Just wait, you'll get there).