Get balanced and whole (or, gain 10 pounds)

Posted by Richman on October 12, 2007 1:07 PM PDT

Recommend this? YES NO

I’ve been hesitant to post this goal for fear of not being taken seriously, but essentially... I want to gain weight, and I don't mean like a bodybuilder. I agree with Amy that number of pounds are not important, so when I saw that I am almost fifteen pounds under my usual weight, I didn’t really think much of it. But eventually my pants stopped fitting, and I especially feel it at the gym, where I am feeling much weaker. The interesting thing is that I still have a lot of energy, but not the power. Overall in my life, I think that’s the balance I’m seeking. Lowering the energy (which has been super high, too high even) and increasing my power (which has been low considering I’ve been feeling really that I'm in reacting mode).

I just started taking enzymes to help out, as maybe the problem is that I’m not absorbing enough nutrients. I also started mixing carbs and proteins again so I can eat some denser foods (fish tacos, mmmm). But essentially I want to stay healthy through this. I am totally fine with eating good fats, but I like to avoid sugar, and all meat except fish.

Any thoughts or tips would be most welcome. Thank you!

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4 Comments

A good friend of mine knows how to control his body like a skilled mechanic. He lifts weights and drinks banana shakes when he wants to gain weight. I'll ask him for specific recipes if you're interested.

Also, I have a cookbook called "Back to Eden," which is full of healthy, vegetarian recipes without artificial or refined products.

On page 29, there's a list of foods to eat if you want to gain weight, they include:

whole baked potato (sweet and Irish), soybean products, soy mayonnaise, honey, oatmeal, coconut, whole grain rice, soy milk, oatmeal gruel, whole grain (well-baked) breads, dates, figs, all nut milk, barley, etc.

Moreover, "potatoes, whole grain rice, oatmeal, and soy butter or cream are especially fine for weight-gaining. Eat several raw and also some cooked vegetables daily. Have a glass of orange or pineapple juice at least one-half hour before breakfast--preferably one hour"

Hope this helps, best of luck!

Posted by Amanda on October 12, 2007 1:19 PM PDT

While not as common as those who want to lose pounds it is a problem for many folks who feel too thin and not as powerful as they would like to. It is definitely keeping things in balance and adding in a bit more high quality flour products, a bit more oil from good sources, and I do not know if you are opposed to eating meat but if you do eat meat, creating a balance with it, if not, be sure to get a nice variety of protein sources. Be sure to also check your thyroid as what you describe could be a bit of hyperthyroid. There are natural ways to keep your thyroid in balance so not to worry.

Posted by Susan Marque on October 14, 2007 11:05 AM PDT

Hey Richman, did you know that the Jujube fruit is great for gaining weight? It's a Chinese date that is more like a miniature apple/date. They can be found fresh right now and for a few more weeks in health food stores or especially at the Wednesday farmers market in Santa Monica. I think the fresh ones are a fun treat and really great for you liver as well as other health benefits. You also can purchase dried ones for the rest of the year. Enjoy.

Posted by Susan Marque on October 25, 2007 10:05 AM PDT

Hey, RR.
You've been living in this body for all these years. No one knows it like you. No one else has access to its intelligence?
So check in:
What do you already know about what causes this specific body to lose (or gain, in the past) weight?
Do you have a sense of what's going on and what needs to change?
What would happen if you slowed down just enough to listen to your body and follow its instructions?

hope this is useful,
sharon