NationStates Jolt Archive

I have been told several times over the past few years that I need to gain weight. However, my weight has fluctuated only slightly over the past few years, 106 lbs, then 108, then 105, to now, when it is around 107 or less (it might be anywhere between 105 and 107, but it's not over it.

Every time I have recorded the amount of calories I eat in one day, except for one time, it's been consitently around 1650, + or - 50 calories, which, according to this (http://www.marathonguide.com/FitnessCalcs/Caloricneeds.cfm) is just a little bit less than what I actually need.

I have this problem when I go to buffet restuaurants with family that, even though I'm still hungry, I feel like I'm eating too much after one plate (usually a salad with some cottage cheese) and that to eat any more would be gluttony.

Has anyone had any similar experiences or thoughts? And does anyone have any advice for me?

Just eat? I don't know, I'm the opposite. Usually I don't know when to stop eating haha

Told to gain weight by whom? Doctors? Family? Friends? If you're at what you feel is a comfortable weight, one that is stable and healthy, who cares what anyone else says?

It's your physical and psychological well-being. You don't owe it to anyone to plump up for their mental health.

Just eat? I don't know, I'm the opposite. Usually I don't know when to stop eating haha

Me too.

I use a stomach cramp to determine fullness. :p ;) :eek: :) :cool:

Told to gain weight by whom? Doctors? Family? Friends? If you're at what you feel is a comfortable weight, one that is stable and healthy, who cares what anyone else says?

It's your physical and psychological well-being. You don't owe it to anyone to plump up for their mental health.

By doctors.

Reverse liposuction. Hell, if they can yank it out, they should be able to pump it in. :p

I have been told several times over the past few years that I need to gain weight. However, my weight has fluctuated only slightly over the past few years, 106 lbs, then 108, then 105, to now, when it is around 107 or less (it might be anywhere between 105 and 107, but it's not over it.

Every time I have recorded the amount of calories I eat in one day, except for one time, it's been consitently around 1650, + or - 50 calories, which, according to this (http://www.marathonguide.com/FitnessCalcs/Caloricneeds.cfm) is just a little bit less than what I actually need.

I have this problem when I go to buffet restuaurants with family that, even though I'm still hungry, I feel like I'm eating too much after one plate (usually a salad with some cottage cheese) and that to eat any more would be gluttony.

Has anyone had any similar experiences or thoughts? And does anyone have any advice for me?
Eat anyways. Like trying to drop weight, this is going to take some willpower.

So light up a fatty every now and again and take a stroll down to your local convenience store. You'll bulk up in short order.

eat more

Eat anyways. Like trying to drop weight, this is going to take some willpower.

I agree. Just more of the good food. I don't think your doctor would like the stick-o-butter-a-day diet. :p

So light up a fatty every now and again and take a stroll down to your local convenience store. You'll bulk up in short order.
I seem to recall reading somewhere that stoners don't generally weigh more than the average population. I think that the munchies are balanced out by the running around thinking that things are neat...


btw, swing sets are the best things ever when you're stoned.

Watch the episode of the Simpsons were Homer tries to gain weight so he can work from home.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that stoners don't generally weigh more than the average population. I think that the munchies are balanced out by the running around thinking that things are neat...


btw, swing sets are the best things ever when you're stoned.

It all depends on the snacking food in question. And yes, swing sets are marvellous things. I like them almost as much as lawn chairs that recline.

i've known a few people that were hard-pressed to gain weight (hell, even i've hovered around 135 pounds for nearly the past decade!), and several of em have been told it's not just eating more - they also did weight training.

basically, their bodies got used to using a certian amount of Calories, so most everything extra was simple added to the refuse pile. eat some, use some. eat more, still use some. that ment they had to, more or less, "train" their body to use more Calories. oh, and building muscles also added more weight, of course :p

also, i might reccomend high-Calorie shakes or other "dense" foods, if you feel weird about eating a large volume of food.

I have been told several times over the past few years that I need to gain weight. However, my weight has fluctuated only slightly over the past few years, 106 lbs, then 108, then 105, to now, when it is around 107 or less (it might be anywhere between 105 and 107, but it's not over it.

Every time I have recorded the amount of calories I eat in one day, except for one time, it's been consitently around 1650, + or - 50 calories, which, according to this (http://www.marathonguide.com/FitnessCalcs/Caloricneeds.cfm) is just a little bit less than what I actually need.

I have this problem when I go to buffet restuaurants with family that, even though I'm still hungry, I feel like I'm eating too much after one plate (usually a salad with some cottage cheese) and that to eat any more would be gluttony.

Has anyone had any similar experiences or thoughts? And does anyone have any advice for me?

Well, you are stille eating 'diet' food, even when you hit the buffet.... salad, maybe cottage cheese... you aren't really hitting anything particularly 'heavy'. As that goes, if you go back for another plate... or two... you aren't really committing big crimes.

If you are wanting to gain weight, you need to eat something you can actually metabolise... you could do worse than some carbs (pasta is always good). Is there a reason you don't want to eat meat? Most of vegetable matter exits us in much the same form it enters us, since we aren't built to digest cellulose.

The other thing is - you need to eat more than you are using. You are obviously getting close, if your weight yoyos... but this could be because of your exercise.... what you need to do is put yourself on a diet... a weight-gain diet.

So - you aren't being a glutton by going back for the spaghetti, you are in training. You aren't being a glutton for putting cheese and bacon on the salad... you are on a calorie-controlled-diet.

1) If you don't have an exercise regime, up your amount of exercise, to actually include some serious workout time... maybe an hour three times a week. Your body will 'hold' the weight better if you are training your body to metabolise.

2) Eat more... you need to gain... you must eat.

3) Eat more things that will contribute actual 'food value'. Salads are healthy and all, but, without the complex four-stomach-arrangement of the ruminant... or the rabbit habit of eating your own droppings, we just can't metabolise it efficiently.

Eat anyways. Like trying to drop weight, this is going to take some willpower.

It's hard for me to eat anything after I feel full, and it usually doesn't take too much food for me to feel full. I'd like to gain maybe a pound or two, but it seems hard to do, and I'm pretty happy with my weight right now. It's just that if I weigh about what I do right now when I'm an adult, I'll be underweight, and I'm afraid that might damage my health.

It all depends on the snacking food in question. And yes, swing sets are marvellous things. I like them almost as much as lawn chairs that recline.
That is true. I usually go for nachos or french fries.

It's hard for me to eat anything after I feel full, and it usually doesn't take too much food for me to feel full. I'd like to gain maybe a pound or two, but it seems hard to do, and I'm pretty happy with my weight right now. It's just that if I weigh about what I do right now when I'm an adult, I'll be underweight, and I'm afraid that might damage my health.

You could get those powders that they have in health food stores to help bulk you up. Although if you're still going through puberty, I'd wait for nature to take its course or ask your doctor what you should be doing.

It's hard for me to eat anything after I feel full, and it usually doesn't take too much food for me to feel full. I'd like to gain maybe a pound or two, but it seems hard to do, and I'm pretty happy with my weight right now. It's just that if I weigh about what I do right now when I'm an adult, I'll be underweight, and I'm afraid that might damage my health.

If you're happy with it, then be happy. :) If you still need to gain weight later, when your metabolism has slowed down some, that'll just make it easier.

Well, you are stille eating 'diet' food, even when you hit the buffet.... salad, maybe cottage cheese... you aren't really hitting anything particularly 'heavy'. As that goes, if you go back for another plate... or two... you aren't really committing big crimes.

If you are wanting to gain weight, you need to eat something you can actually metabolise... you could do worse than some carbs (pasta is always good). Is there a reason you don't want to eat meat? Most of vegetable matter exits us in much the same form it enters us, since we aren't built to digest cellulose.

The other thing is - you need to eat more than you are using. You are obviously getting close, if your weight yoyos... but this could be because of your exercise.... what you need to do is put yourself on a diet... a weight-gain diet.

So - you aren't being a glutton by going back for the spaghetti, you are in training. You aren't being a glutton for putting cheese and bacon on the salad... you are on a calorie-controlled-diet.

1) If you don't have an exercise regime, up your amount of exercise, to actually include some serious workout time... maybe an hour three times a week. Your body will 'hold' the weight better if you are training your body to metabolise.

2) Eat more... you need to gain... you must eat.

3) Eat more things that will contribute actual 'food value'. Salads are healthy and all, but, without the complex four-stomach-arrangement of the ruminant... or the rabbit habit of eating your own droppings, we just can't metabolise it efficiently.

Those are some good points.

I'm not really averse to eating meat. I do put some cheese and bacon bits on my salad and I usually get macaroni and cheese and maybe a little bit of ham or slice of pepperoni pizza after the first plate once I realize that I'm still hungry and decide to get a second plate.

Last year, I was pretty active, with swing choir, a team sports class, and a walk to the gym after school. However, this year I have a much heavier course load and I haven't been able to exercise as much.

All this talk of food is making me really hungry and I think I smell something being cooked downstairs. I hope it's something with garlic.

Those are some good points.

I'm not really averse to eating meat. I do put some cheese and bacon bits on my salad and I usually get macaroni and cheese and maybe a little bit of ham or slice of pepperoni pizza after the first plate once I realize that I'm still hungry and decide to get a second plate.

Last year, I was pretty active, with swing choir, a team sports class, and a walk to the gym after school. However, this year I have a much heavier course load and I haven't been able to exercise as much.

It's not often you hear people giving advice on how to get heavier. :)

I was way too light as a kid... less than 100 pounds when I was hitting my teens, and only about 130 lbs at the end of my teen years - and I was 6'4". I had doctors that said that was 'okay'... but I looked pretty ill.

Make some time for exercise. You need to eat, and you need to make sure you are eating material that can be used... and that exercise is important... our bodies react more than most people are aware. Also - make sure you are eating three meals... and, if you don't already do so, make sure you eat every day.

Sounds like weird advice... but not everyone does.

I'm now something like 240 lbs, and the happiest with my weight I've ever been, healthier than ever.

what are your current eating habits? It isn't all about how many calories you take in, although that is significant. You need to be taking in good ammounts of carbs, fats, and complete proteins.

It might be difficult at first, so slowly increase how much you eat. If you are used to just having salad, maybe do a salad and some bread. Then add in small cuts of meat. Over time, you'll get up to eating "full" meals.

make sure your meals are balanced. As GnI said, a salad is healthy and all, but you need more that just that to live.

exercise will increase your appetite, but will also increase how many calories you need to function, as well as increase your need for protein. Be aware of what your body is telling you...if you are getting lots of muscle cramps, it could be a sign that you aren't getting enough protein.

If you simply cannot eat more, consider dietary suppliments...things like Ensure or protein powder shakes can be a huge boost without filling you up. Remember that when trying to gain weight, these do not replace meals.

Well, you are stille eating 'diet' food, even when you hit the buffet.... salad, maybe cottage cheese... you aren't really hitting anything particularly 'heavy'. As that goes, if you go back for another plate... or two... you aren't really committing big crimes.

If you are wanting to gain weight, you need to eat something you can actually metabolise... you could do worse than some carbs (pasta is always good). Is there a reason you don't want to eat meat? Most of vegetable matter exits us in much the same form it enters us, since we aren't built to digest cellulose.

The other thing is - you need to eat more than you are using. You are obviously getting close, if your weight yoyos... but this could be because of your exercise.... what you need to do is put yourself on a diet... a weight-gain diet.

So - you aren't being a glutton by going back for the spaghetti, you are in training. You aren't being a glutton for putting cheese and bacon on the salad... you are on a calorie-controlled-diet.

1) If you don't have an exercise regime, up your amount of exercise, to actually include some serious workout time... maybe an hour three times a week. Your body will 'hold' the weight better if you are training your body to metabolise.

2) Eat more... you need to gain... you must eat.

3) Eat more things that will contribute actual 'food value'. Salads are healthy and all, but, without the complex four-stomach-arrangement of the ruminant... or the rabbit habit of eating your own droppings, we just can't metabolise it efficiently.


I agree with all of that, plus sneek in some calories and fat when you can and won't notice, like when my daughter had lost a lot of weight from celiac we had to get her weight up quick and one thing the doctor said was make sure she gets 3-4 servings of dairy a day, it's loaded with fat and calories and also she was supposed to eat some more protien so that she would build lean muscle which weighs more than fat and also is just better anyway.

We would sneak yogurt into her morning smoothies, and ensure into her milkshakes.

;)

I agree with all of that, plus sneek in some calories and fat when you can and won't notice, like when my daughter had lost a lot of weight from celiac we had to get her weight up quick and one thing the doctor said was make sure she gets 3-4 servings of dairy a day, it's loaded with fat and calories and also she was supposed to eat some more protien so that she would build lean muscle which weighs more than fat and also is just better anyway.

We would sneak yogurt into her morning smoothies, and ensure into her milkshakes.

;)

Great... now I'm craving dairy-laced smoothies. :)

Good advice from Smunkee... as always. Listen to Smunkee, she rocks. :)

Never forget bacon.... it is a wonder food. It looks and tastes like emat, but it 'counts' as a fat in dietary terms.

It's not often you hear people giving advice on how to get heavier. :)

I was way too light as a kid... less than 100 pounds when I was hitting my teens, and only about 130 lbs at the end of my teen years - and I was 6'4". I had doctors that said that was 'okay'... but I looked pretty ill.

Make some time for exercise. You need to eat, and you need to make sure you are eating material that can be used... and that exercise is important... our bodies react more than most people are aware. Also - make sure you are eating three meals... and, if you don't already do so, make sure you eat every day.

Sounds like weird advice... but not everyone does.

I'm now something like 240 lbs, and the happiest with my weight I've ever been, healthier than ever.

I do eat three meals a day, every day, and sometimes a snack, too.:)

what are your current eating habits? It isn't all about how many calories you take in, although that is significant. You need to be taking in good ammounts of carbs, fats, and complete proteins.

It might be difficult at first, so slowly increase how much you eat. If you are used to just having salad, maybe do a salad and some bread. Then add in small cuts of meat. Over time, you'll get up to eating "full" meals.

make sure your meals are balanced. As GnI said, a salad is healthy and all, but you need more that just that to live.

exercise will increase your appetite, but will also increase how many calories you need to function, as well as increase your need for protein. Be aware of what your body is telling you...if you are getting lots of muscle cramps, it could be a sign that you aren't getting enough protein.

If you simply cannot eat more, consider dietary suppliments...things like Ensure or protein powder shakes can be a huge boost without filling you up. Remember that when trying to gain weight, these do not replace meals.

I don't usually just eat a salad, but today I did at lunch, because I didn't like the country fried steak. In one day, I usually eat two or three glasses of milk (skim), a bottle of apple juice, a small sandwich (possibly with a cheese stick, but not always), strawberry pop-tarts (not very healthy, but quick), and then whatever my mother fixes for dinner (although I don't always eat all of it, that depends on how hungry I feel.)

I agree with all of that, plus sneek in some calories and fat when you can and won't notice, like when my daughter had lost a lot of weight from celiac we had to get her weight up quick and one thing the doctor said was make sure she gets 3-4 servings of dairy a day, it's loaded with fat and calories and also she was supposed to eat some more protien so that she would build lean muscle which weighs more than fat and also is just better anyway.

We would sneak yogurt into her morning smoothies, and ensure into her milkshakes.

;)

Today I was able to sneak a small Snickers bar in. It tasted good.:)

I don't usually just eat a salad, but today I did at lunch, because I didn't like the country fried steak. In one day, I usually eat two or three glasses of milk (skim), a bottle of apple juice, a small sandwich (possibly with a cheese stick, but not always), strawberry pop-tarts (not very healthy, but quick), and then whatever my mother fixes for dinner (although I don't always eat all of it, that depends on how hungry I feel.)

that doesn't seem too bad...maybe swap the glasses of milk out with either whole or 2% milk, or an ensure or something...make the sandwich a bit bigger or have a bag of chips...that kinda thing will end up making a good difference.

I personally have finally been able to put on weight...I was 150 for a few years straight, and have finally gotten up to 165-170 in about 8 months of working out

that doesn't seem too bad...maybe swap the glasses of milk out with either whole or 2% milk, or an ensure or something...make the sandwich a bit bigger or have a bag of chips...that kinda thing will end up making a good difference.

I personally have finally been able to put on weight...I was 150 for a few years straight, and have finally gotten up to 165-170 in about 8 months of working out

I used to drink 2% milk and, more recently, 1% milk, but it would always spoil before I could drink all of it, because the rest of my family was drinking skim milk. So I switched to skim.

I've been having some nachos with salsa and cheese recently. I had some about two hours ago because I was hungry from only eating the salad for lunch.

I have been told several times over the past few years that I need to gain weight. However, my weight has fluctuated only slightly over the past few years, 106 lbs, then 108, then 105, to now, when it is around 107 or less (it might be anywhere between 105 and 107, but it's not over it.

Every time I have recorded the amount of calories I eat in one day, except for one time, it's been consitently around 1650, + or - 50 calories, which, according to this (http://www.marathonguide.com/FitnessCalcs/Caloricneeds.cfm) is just a little bit less than what I actually need.

I have this problem when I go to buffet restuaurants with family that, even though I'm still hungry, I feel like I'm eating too much after one plate (usually a salad with some cottage cheese) and that to eat any more would be gluttony.

Has anyone had any similar experiences or thoughts? And does anyone have any advice for me?

My advice is to tell those people who are telling you that you need to gain weight to go pound sand up their nose. If you are comfortable with you weight, there are no health issues, and you are eating a reasonably balanced diet, there is no reason for you to gain weight. Those telling you to gain weight are probably jealous.

By doctors.

And just why do the doctors want you to gain weight? Is your being "underweight" causing some medical problem?

Reverse liposuction. Hell, if they can yank it out, they should be able to pump it in. :p

I'll donate about 100 lbs of my fat. :p

Instead of eating some salad and cottage cheese, how about you really dive into the all-you-can-eat for real for a change?

Adding some candy might help as well. Chocolate, soft-drinks (no zero-something, the ones with sugar in'em!), cotton candy, marshmallows...

When I'm trying to lose some weight, those are the things I cut to zero and it works. ;)

And just why do the doctors want you to gain weight? Is your being "underweight" causing some medical problem?

I don't know. It might be.

I don't know. It might be.

It easily could, even if it isn't right now...particularly if you are female.

You could try adding a quick snack right before bed, I'm pretty sure that's one of those "and now it all goes straight to your ass"-things that I've heard diet gurues advise against.
And start eating more pepperoni pizza: huge greasy slices covered with mysterious meats and dripping with that brownish-red death cholesterol laden death-juice.

I don't know. It might be.

ASK. They won't kill you for asking and you have the right to know.

soft-drinks (no zero-something, the ones with sugar in'em!)

like Bawls :D

You could try adding a quick snack right before bed, I'm pretty sure that's one of those "and now it all goes straight to your ass"-things that I've heard diet gurues advise against.
And start eating more pepperoni pizza: huge greasy slices covered with mysterious meats and dripping with that brownish-red death cholesterol laden death-juice.
*gets arroused*

*gets arroused*
Quite my feeling on the issue too, I just wasn't sure about mentioning it.
But now that its been put out there . . .
*drools*

You could try adding a quick snack right before bed, I'm pretty sure that's one of those "and now it all goes straight to your ass"-things that I've heard diet gurues advise against.
And start eating more pepperoni pizza: huge greasy slices covered with mysterious meats and dripping with that brownish-red death cholesterol laden death-juice.
*drools* Damn you! My mouth is already watering, and since it's 23:20 it will most definitely fall under that category you described with "quick snack" :D

You could try adding a quick snack right before bed, I'm pretty sure that's one of those "and now it all goes straight to your ass"-things that I've heard diet gurues advise against.
And start eating more pepperoni pizza: huge greasy slices covered with mysterious meats and dripping with that brownish-red death cholesterol laden death-juice.

I love pepperoni pizza!:)

Adding some candy might help as well. Chocolate, soft-drinks (no zero-something, the ones with sugar in'em!), cotton candy, marshmallows...


I eat chocolate occasionally, and soft drinks sometimes (sometimes I get zero or diet, and sometimes I don't.)

It easily could, even if it isn't right now...particularly if you are female.

I am female. And I think it might be, because I'm pretty fragile, to the point where sometimes a hug hurts, and I get cold pretty easily (my body temperature usually seems to be around 96 or 97 degrees F, although it's been as low as 95 before.) However, I'm not sure if these are entirely the result of my weight.

ASK. They won't kill you for asking and you have the right to know.

I agree. Always ASK and make sure you understand what your doctor is telling you before you leave the office. I say this because I know when I do genetic counseling people are very reluctant to say if they don't understand something. its your LIFE and HEALTH though so you have the right to ask him to explain anything you aren't sure of in layman's terms. A good doctor should never mind explaining things further. Good luck with it if you are still trying after you get things clear with the doctor.

P.S. I know I'm usually pretty silly when I'm on here but I meant the above very seriously and its advice I'd recommend for all, not just Chandelier.

I am female. And I think it might be, because I'm pretty fragile, to the point where sometimes a hug hurts, and I get cold pretty easily (my body temperature usually seems to be around 95 or 97 degrees F, although it's been as low as 95 before.) However, I'm not sure if these are entirely the result of my weight.

they could be. it could also have potential impact on your heart or your period. As celt said, don't hesistate to ask your doc whats up

they could be. it could also have potential impact on your heart or your period. As celt said, don't hesistate to ask your doc whats up

I'll ask next time I go. It's been about nine months since my last check-up (I go annually), so I don't remember exactly what he said, but I think he said that I was fine, but that it would be good for me to gain some weight. And I remember that he told me to eat plenty of food over the winter break.

I remember when I wanted to gain weight. I was 6'4, 180-185ish, which is normally fine. I was technically perfectly healthy, I was 13-14% body fat, the problem was I had very little lean muscle. Well that problem of course was solved by weight training. I would highly recommend that you do, not cardio, but weight lifting.

Of course my attempts to gain weight backfired when I got sick, and I ended up going way up to 255....I was in bed for 6 months and ate junk food, gimme a break. I of course am finally getting back down about a year and a half later. I'm 215 and at 15% body fat, which means I have 195 or so pounds of lean muscle and bones, which is more than I total weight back when I was 180, meaning I've put on about 35 pounds of muscle, my bones might have thickened a little, but still mostly it was the muscle added. I still wanna lose about 10 more pounds before I am back to where I wanna be, but oh well.

Also have you looked at some of those protein bars that football players use to bulk up? they have something like 1000 calories or something and don't fill you up, but have lots of protein and crap like that. 3 of those a week will go a long way.

So light up a fatty every now and again and take a stroll down to your local convenience store. You'll bulk up in short order.

Nah. Skip the walking part, and order pizza, chinese, whatever.

Or drive to fast food.

Nah. Skip the walking part, and order pizza, chinese, whatever.

Or drive to fast food.

mmmm Chinese Pizza. *drools*