Weight Gain Diet Plans

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Being underweight can be just as unhealthy as being overweight. Surprising as it may sound there isn't that much difference between a weight loss diet plan and a weight gain diet plan. Before beginning on a weight gain diet plan it is important to define the goal. Some individuals want to bulk up muscle mass. For others an appropriate amount of body fat, especially for women might be the goal. Whatever the goal, 'healthy' should be key.

Doctors agree that consuming 500 extra calories a day is a healthy goal, although increasing that up to 700 can sometimes be recommended. These calories should be gained by eating foods that are energy dense (high in Calories) yet nutritious. The idea of formulating healthy weight gain is by following many of the same rules as with weight loss. To derive a healthy balance in meals by incorporating the appropriate amounts of complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats. It is also recommended to eat 6 small meals a day rather than the traditional 3. Eating multiple smaller meals encourages the body to burn calories to build lean mass (muscle). The temptation might be to justify eating high calorie fast food, bakery goods or candy. But adopting a healthy weight gain diet plan should be the number one concern, not just weight gain.

While the goal is to eat more calories than an individual burns, it is not recommended to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise is just as important for a weight gain diet plan as it is for weight loss. The ultimate goal for both a weight gain diet plan and that of weight loss is to achieve optimal body weight. Lean mass should be the greatest percentage of body weight. Burning calories equates to greater muscular body mass. Therefore, an exercise regimen in anaerobic exercise would work more in the interest of an individual trying to add weight than would that of an aerobic exercise regimen. Exercise will also increase appetite giving an individual a little edge on gaining wanted weight.

A woman should carry 20% body fat to be at optimal body weight. Women who are underweight by less than 20% body fat are at higher risk for miscarriage, lower birth weight and birth defects as well as other physical problems. Maintaining a consistent low body weight contributes to heart damage. A healthy weight gain diet plan can help eliminate such health factors and encourage long term health. Increasing the calories by 700 per day might be the better plan for women struggling with low body fat percentages.

Get plenty of rest. Our bodies repair and build during our sleeping hours. This is just as important for gaining beneficial weight. Getting proper rest will increase energy levels and provide a positive outlook toward the ultimate goal of a proper weight gain diet plan.