Feeling Skinny? Follow This Simple Diet Chart for Healthy Weight Gain

Medically Reviewed by: Dr Aaksha Shukla
Feeling Skinny? Follow This Simple Diet Chart for Healthy Weight Gain

Being underweight is not just a matter of looks—it can impact your immunity, energy, and overall well-being. Individuals who have a problem with being underweight tend to find it hard to build muscle, remain energetic, or build up a strong immunity system. If you want a complete solution for weight gain, a suitable weight gain diet chart can be a savior.

Healthy weight gain is never about eating rubbish or adding other bad habits. Healthy weight gain is a systematic process which consists of nutritious food, intelligent ways of eating, and lifestyle change. Let us see how you can gain weight naturally and a basic weight gain diet plan.

What Does Healthy Weight Gain Mean?

The Importance of a Calorie Surplus

Weight gain occurs when you take more calories than you are burning. But the extra calories have to be from healthy foods. A 300–500 calorie daily surplus is ideal for slow and gradual weight gain, whereas a day by day surplus of 700–1,000 calories can put you weight in a short span of time.

Balanced Nutrition Matters

It is not a question of consuming everything and anything. It is a question of consuming well-balanced food consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins. Fast foods consist of calories but negligible or no nutrients. Proper weight gain ensures you put on muscle and stay healthy overall.

Why Is It Difficult for Skinny People to Gain Weight?

Some individuals have a naturally high metabolism that burns calories quicker than others. Others possess smaller appetites or illnesses that ward off weight gain. Knowing what your body requires is the cornerstone of building a plan to succeed.

How to Gain Weight Naturally

Begin with Dense Foods

Select whole, unprocessed foods that deliver not only calories but nutrients. Foods containing proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables should be included.

Eat More Often

Rather than consuming three large meals, divide your daily intake into 5–6 small meals. Regular eating allows you to add calories without ever feeling full at any given time.

Drink Your Calories

High-calorie drinks such as milkshakes, smoothies, and fresh juices can contribute plenty of calories to your diet without forcing you to consume large amounts of food.

Healthy Foods for Weight Gain

High-Protein Foods

Protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair. Try to take 1.2–2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. The best sources are:

  • Egg and lean meat such as chicken or fish
  • Paneer, cheese, and Greek yogurt
  • Legumes, lentils, and beans
  • Soy products such as tofu or soya chunks
  • Protein shakes and smoothies

Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide your body with the necessary energy to gain muscles. Try to take complex carbohydrates such as:

  • Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat roti
  • Oats, barley, and millets
  • Sweet potatoes and starchy vegetables
  • Bananas, mangoes, and dates

Healthy Fats

Fats are dense in calories and full of essential fatty acids. Incorporate:

  • Almonds, walnuts, and cashews
  • Nut butters such as peanut or almond butter
  • Avocados and olives
  • Full-fat dairy foods
  • Olive, coconut, or ghee cooking oils

Energy-Dense Snacks

Healthy snack foods are simple to employ to increase your calorie intake. Experiment with:

  • Trail mix (dried fruits and nuts)
  • Granola with yogurt
  • Cheese with whole-grain crackers
  • Homemade protein bars
  • Milk, fruit, and nut butter smoothies

Sample Daily Weight Gain Diet Chart

Here is a weight gain diet chart offering around 2,800–3,000 calories daily:

Early Morning:

  • Warm milk with soaked raisins and almonds
  • 1 banana or a handful of dates

Breakfast:

  • 2–3 parathas filled with butter or ghee
  • A glass of full-fat milk or a protein smoothie

Mid-Morning Snack:

  • A bowl of honey and granola with Greek yogurt
  • A small fistful of mixed nuts

Lunch:

  • 2–3 chapatis with ghee
  • 1 cup brown rice with dal or rajma
  • Grilled chicken or paneer curry
  • A salad prepared using olive oil dressing

Afternoon Snack:

  • A milkshake prepared using milk, banana, oats, and peanut butter
  • 1 boiled egg or paneer cubes

Evening Snack:

  • Whole-grain toast prepared using nut butter
  • A bowl of roasted chickpeas or makhana

Dinner:

  • Grilled salmon, chicken, or lentils
  • 2–3 chapatis or quinoa
  • Vegetables sautéed in ghee or olive oil
  • 1 bowl of curd

Bedtime Snack:

  • A bowl of warm milk with one tablespoon of honey
  • Serving of dry fruits

Healthy Life Tips for Weight Gain

Gain of Muscle by Strength Training

Weight training or resistance exercises ensures that the excess calorie is converted into muscle and not fat. 3-4 sessions of strength training a week, doing compound exercises like push-ups, squats, and deadlifts.

Sleep Appropriately

Sleeping is crucial for the repair of muscle and the balance of hormones. Make an effort to sleep 7–8 hours daily in order to facilitate healthy weight gain.

Be Consistent

Weight gain takes time. Keep track of your progress every week and adjust your diet to facilitate steady gain of about 0.5–1 kg weekly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping meals: Skipping meals will make it harder to hit your calorie goals.
  • Junk food dependence: Although junk food contributes to calories, they are calorie-rich but nutrient-poor.
  • Lack of monitoring of intake: Monitor daily calorie and protein intake to remain on target.
  • Lack of attention towards exercise: In the absence of strength training, you are likely to accumulate fat rather than muscle.

Tips to Gain Weight for Thin People

  • Include calorie boosters such as cheese, nut butters, or additional ghee in meals.
  • Consume a high-calorie smoothie after exercising.
  • Space out snacks 2–3 hours to create a buffer.
  • Top oatmeal or sweets with healthy additions such as seeds, honey, or nuts.

Conclusion

Weight gain is a normal byproduct of regular meals, building muscles, and healthy routines. An accurately balanced weight gain diet chart rich in proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates will fuel your body to grow stronger.

If you are having trouble gaining weight after considering these suggestions, visit a dietitian or physician. They can develop an individualized eating plan for weight gain based on your body and needs.

Begin with baby steps—have one more snack, indulge in one additional calorie-rich smoothie, or add a few more servings—and you will be amazed at the difference for the better in your weight and energy in no time.

FAQ’s

Q: How quickly can I gain weight naturally?
A: A healthily acceptable weight gain would be 0.5–1 kg per week. More rapid weight gain will likely be fat gain and not muscle mass.

Q: Can I use fast food to gain weight?
A: It will contribute to calories but is not a healthy choice. Fast food is low in vitamins and minerals your body requires to thrive in the long term.

Q: I don't want to eat. What can I do?
A: Have smoothies that are high in calories, eat small but more frequent meals, and put high-calorie toppings such as seeds or nuts on foods.

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