Are you a hard gainer, please read!

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Replies

  • stevencloser
    stevencloser Posts: 8,911 Member
    psulemon wrote: »
    And due to that I had a high tdee, not a high metabolism.
    This is really just more of a semantics question. I know that the discussion here is on metabolisms and variances to the norm, which for the most part I agree with. But if you have a high tdee, wouldn't it be fair to say that your overall metabolism is high as well (since metabolism is the sum of all reactions going on in the body)? Not that it's above what would be expected for height/weight/age/activity level, but high compared to someone who is less active (which would be the norm given how much of the population is sedentary).

    Can't say I've ever seen anyone who gets their high TDEE from tons of exercise claiming they have a fast metabolism.
  • babykytten
    babykytten Posts: 1 Member
    Very nice! Thank you so much for making everything simple.
  • Springfield1970
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    edited March 2016
    from the Oxford dictionary

    Metabolism
    'The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.' (yes, so someone with a high TDEE could in this parameter be described as simply having a high metabolism)

    BUT...then there was a second part to the description.

    'Two types of metabolism are often distinguished: constructive metabolism, the synthesis of protein, carbohydrates and fats which store tissue and store energy, and destructive metabolism, the breakdown of complex substances and the consequent production of energy and waste matter.'

    So, I have a constructive metabolism that starts at above 1750 net calories, which is LOW compared to most people on this thread.
    I have a destructive metabolism that's starts below 1750 net which is again low compared to most people here.

    The truth is though, I'd have to go from my BMR (coma calories) and compare it to other women my age, body fat percentage,state of wellness, bone density and weight to truly be able to label my metabolism low , high or average.

    I'm betting we would all have the exact same BMR. Conclusion, you can't compare apples to pears. No such thing as a high or low metabolism.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,373 MFP Moderator
    Bump
  • healthkickkath1
    healthkickkath1 Posts: 40 Member
    Great post
  • Paulmpercival
    Paulmpercival Posts: 5 Member
    Thanks for a really useful post. I'm on the lookout for easy, high protein/calorie snacks to eat at work so this is great.

    One stupid question though. The original post suggests limiting 'clean foods'... What constitutes a clean food? Sounds like something that would be good to eat more of from a novice perspective?

    Thanks!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,373 MFP Moderator
    Thanks for a really useful post. I'm on the lookout for easy, high protein/calorie snacks to eat at work so this is great.

    One stupid question though. The original post suggests limiting 'clean foods'... What constitutes a clean food? Sounds like something that would be good to eat more of from a novice perspective?

    Thanks!

    Clean is subjective. Many times, many newbs struggle to get a certain number of calories because they eliminate foods based on their own definition of clean because they think eating clean means less fat accumulation. For some it can be dairy, or grains, or fast food, because they arent putting things into perspective.
  • Paulmpercival
    Paulmpercival Posts: 5 Member
    edited March 2016
    Thanks psulemon - that makes alot of sense.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    We should just tell everyone that needs to gain to look at my diary and eat what I eat since I'm real good at gaining weight. Too bad I suck at losing it. I think I even unintentionally did a bulk once while eating too much and lifting pretty regularly. lol. Kidding...I haven't filled my diary out in weeks.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I was eating 2500 plus calories a day and couldn't gain past 95 pounds for five months. I had gastrointestinal problems and other related health issues. My doctor had me track my food reactions. Figured out I had food intolerance. I stopped those foods. And I gained five pounds in the past two months. So sometimes it's individual. If you do have food intolerance that could be part of the weight gain issues. Recovering limits my food options. But, I can always eat more vegetables.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    @BinaryPulsar I didn't know food intolerance could prevent gain. I guess that makes sense if I think about it....If your body isn't processing the nutrients from the foods they are probably on a quick trip out...Glad you discovered part of the issue.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    edited March 2016
    Good thread, psulemon.

    I think the point that there are other non-metabolic issues that can occur that prevent gains can be important - from issues similar to "failure to thrive", testosterone, adrenal, thyroid, digestive diseases (even fibromas) can all contribute to what might appear to be a hard-gainer but isn't.

    So called "Hard-gainers" tend to have high NEAT - neuromuscular, neurological, psychological, etc. twitchiness. The causes can be a crossover from those stated above - small hormonal changes easily shift NEAT.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    edited March 2016
    @BinaryPulsar I didn't know food intolerance could prevent gain. I guess that makes sense if I think about it....If your body isn't processing the nutrients from the foods they are probably on a quick trip out...Glad you discovered part of the issue.

    Yeah, it appeared I was not able to digest food because my body was freaking out and rejecting foods from reacting to the foods I am intolerant to. But, cutting those out allowed my body to calm down and heal. Now I am digesting my food and everything is getting better.

    The more trouble I had with weight gain, the more food I would eat (the foods I was intolerant to), and it got worse and worse. I was scared to cut out food, but that's what made me better.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,373 MFP Moderator
    edited March 2016
    Good thread, psulemon.

    I think the point that there are other non-metabolic issues that can occur that prevent gains can be important - from issues similar to "failure to thrive", testosterone, adrenal, thyroid, digestive diseases (even fibromas) can all contribute to what might appear to be a hard-gainer but isn't.

    So called "Hard-gainers" tend to have high NEAT - neuromuscular, neurological, psychological, etc. twitchiness. The causes can be a crossover from those stated above - small hormonal changes easily shift NEAT.

    Looking back at my OP, I could have sworn I addressed high levels of daily activities, but I guess not. Its a very valid point.


    With that in mind, OP has been updated. Another fine example of using my mod powers for the greater good.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    psulemon wrote: »
    Good thread, psulemon.

    I think the point that there are other non-metabolic issues that can occur that prevent gains can be important - from issues similar to "failure to thrive", testosterone, adrenal, thyroid, digestive diseases (even fibromas) can all contribute to what might appear to be a hard-gainer but isn't.

    So called "Hard-gainers" tend to have high NEAT - neuromuscular, neurological, psychological, etc. twitchiness. The causes can be a crossover from those stated above - small hormonal changes easily shift NEAT.

    Looking back at my OP, I could have sworn I addressed high levels of daily activities, but I guess not. Its a very valid point.


    With that in mind, OP has been updated. Another fine example of using my mod powers for the greater good.

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  • NikkiV38
    NikkiV38 Posts: 5 Member
    psulemon wrote: »
    elite_nal wrote: »
    Great thread.

    I see a lot of these questions...
    What is the best hardgainer workout routine?”
    “I’m a hardgainer and need a good meal plan!”
    “What supplements are recommended for hardgainers?”


    I would like to add and talk about GENETICS...

    There’s no question that genetics do play a large role in determining how slowly or quickly someone can build lean muscle. And it's true that some lifters will require more time and patience to build the physique they’re after.

    But whether you’re a naturally gifted bodybuilder with elite genetics or you’re starting off on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, the same basic muscle building principles still apply.

    -You need to train hard in the gym using correct form and focus on progressive overload by adding more weight to the bar over time…

    -You need to create a proper calorie surplus each day that revolves around high quality sources of protein, carbohydrates and fats…

    -You need to understand which supplements could help you accelerate your progress and which ones to avoid…

    -You need to track your progress, remain focused and motivated, and stay consistent to your program over time…

    When someone call themselves a “hardgainer” and seeking out a specific hardgainer workout, meal plan and supplement approach is not only unnecessary, but it backs you into a corner and leaves you with the false background feeling that gaining muscle is going to be next to impossible.

    Sure, you may not have been particularly blessed in the department of muscle building genetics, but so what? How does paying attention to this fact do anything to help you move forward and achieve your goals?

    As with anything in life, you need to put your focus on the things you can control and forget about the things you can’t. Pre-occupying yourself with your genetic makeup is a complete waste of time, as absolutely anyone can achieve a strong, impressive, muscular body if they truly want to.

    The only difference is that for some people the process may be longer or shorter. And whether you have “good genetics” or “bad genetics”, the overall structure of your bodybuilding approach is essentially going to be the same.

    My advice....

    Take the entire idea that you require a specific “hardgainer workout” or “hardgainer meal plan” and toss it out the window.

    Find your individual calorie/protein/carb/fat needs, structure a workout plan that allows you to properly recover and make consistent strength gains over time, and simply move forward from there.

    Very well written and great advice. Thank you for the input.

    This and the original post are both great information. Definitely an eye opener for me. I've always been skinny and had a hard time gaining weight. Mostly genetics. I ate alot but the only time I actually gained weight was when I made myself drink ensure and a peanut butter samdwich after every meal. Looking back I realize the foods I did eat were mostly junk foods and I just wasn't eating enough. As I got older I started getting sick and now have food restrictions. It forced me to eat healthier. I found alot of the healthy stuff I already eat are healthy fats, I just need to eat more of it. I thought I was but this app is really helping me to get those calories I need.
  • TK6299
    TK6299 Posts: 502 Member
    @NikkiV38, super glad that the app is helping! The MFP community is awesome.
  • DYELB
    DYELB Posts: 7,407 Member
    If you're a hard gainer:

    1) Are you losing weight? If yes, eat more.
    2) If you're not losing weight...eat more.

    It helps to eat high caloric density foods, like PB&J sammiches...or shots of olive oil.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Nuts are an excellent way to increase calories. Some nuts are especially high in calories such as Brazil nuts and Macadamia nuts. I also like walnuts and pecans and sunflower seeds too. Almonds are good too. And dark chocolate is yummy and high calories.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,373 MFP Moderator
    @BinaryPulsar I didn't know food intolerance could prevent gain. I guess that makes sense if I think about it....If your body isn't processing the nutrients from the foods they are probably on a quick trip out...Glad you discovered part of the issue.

    Yeah, it appeared I was not able to digest food because my body was freaking out and rejecting foods from reacting to the foods I am intolerant to. But, cutting those out allowed my body to calm down and heal. Now I am digesting my food and everything is getting better.

    The more trouble I had with weight gain, the more food I would eat (the foods I was intolerant to), and it got worse and worse. I was scared to cut out food, but that's what made me better.

    If you don't mind me asking, what condition do you have that cause malabsorption? I have only heard of this one other time and find these kinds of things interesting.