10 Tips to Gain Weight the Healthy Way

5. Snack Smart

Choose calorie-dense snacks like nuts, cheese, dried fruits, yogurt with granola, avocados, and pretzels or whole grain crackers with nut butters or hummus. If leaving the house for a while, pack snacks for calories-on-the-go.

More from Greatist: 31 Healthy and Portable High-Protein Snacks

6. Drink it Down

Instead of diet soda and other low-cal drinks, choose filling, high-calorie beverages like smoothies, healthy shakes, or liquid meal replacements. Drink fluids in between meals to add calories and to avoid filling up on beverages during meals (which might make people eat less solid food).

More: How to Make the Perfect Smoothie

7. Eat Before Bed

Consider this your permission slip for the midnight munchies. A lot of healing and regeneration happens while we sleep, so eating before bed can give your body the nutrients it needs to do the work. Nom down on a PB&J or a wrap with avocado, vegetables, and lean meat or cheese.

8. Set Attainable Goals

And remember to be patient. Just like weight loss, weight gain is a process—and often a slow one, Cassetty says. Gaining might take years, so don't give up hope if you don't pack on immediate pounds. The rate at which a person needs to gain weight depends on their health goals and current health status, and a physician or nutritionist can help establish a reasonable goal weight. Signs of reaching an ideal weight include increased energy, stabilized hunger patterns, and overall good health.

More: 4 Simple Tips to Stick to Your Fitness Goals

9. Get Support

It's important to have a strong support system throughout the process of gaining weight, Cassetty says, both to help gainers achieve their goals and to cope with the emotional issues that might arise from bodily changes. One of the best ways to adjust to changing size is to spend time noticing and appreciating how your "new" body appears in the mirror, says Greatist expert and psychologist Ellen Langer.

10. Dress Well

Don't put off feeling good about your appearance. Talk nicely to yourself and choose outfits that make you feel good, no matter what you weigh.

More from Greatist: Talk to Yourself to Stay Motivated

Active logoStay in shape in a fitness class

PREV
  • 2
  • of
  • 2

About the Author

Greatist.com

Greatist is one of the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-ups. Check out more health and fitness news, tips, healthy recipes, expert opinion, and fun times at Greatist.com.
Greatist is one of the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-ups. Check out more health and fitness news, tips, healthy recipes, expert opinion, and fun times at Greatist.com.

Discuss This Article