Weight gain comes down to this formula;

• Consuming many more calories than you are burning.
• Doing a well-structured weight training program
• Eating the right combination of nutrients (to gain muscle instead of fat).

"I Can't Seem to Gain Weight"

The chances are, you have a fast-burning metabolism and are predominantly an ectomorphic body type.

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You will need to eat large quantities of food, and eating it often. See the Gain Weight Calculator for exact calculations on daily calories and nutrient levels. healthren.com

This MUST be combined with a good weight training program, otherwise ALL that food will be stored as fat. healthren.com

Don't Ever Miss Meals

Don't ever miss meals (such as breakfast) - it is important to eat often. Whey protein and weight gain powders can help - simply because it's easier to consume the calories in a liquid form than it is to chew your way through them. Sometimes you may need to eat so much, that it feels like you're eating all the time - and certain foods may start to become irritating. healthren.com

Lots of Sleep

If you don't get much sleep, it's time to start sleeping more - to slow down, and become a little less active. If you exercise a lot it may be time to slow down here as well - no more than 20 minutes 3 times a week. healthren.com

Using a Program

There are many quick-fix hard-sell weight gain programs out there. One of the more superior programs is Muscle Building Nutrition.

Start with this - then keep tweaking it until you find what works best for you. healthren.com

Won't all that food go to fat?

Just because you are trying to gain weight instead of losing it - is no excuse to throw good nutritional advice to the wind. healthren.com

Nutrient Ratios

The best ratio of nutrients may actually surprise you. The diet will be higher in protein (typically about 1 gram per pound of weight), and about 30% fat - the remainder will be carbs (good whole carbs such as oatmeal, brown rice, vegetables, etc). healthren.com

Beginner Gains

If you combine this with a good weight training program, your body will begin to build muscle. Most people often find a reasonable initial muscle gain but can sometimes hit a plateau after a few months. It can be difficult to maintain the right balance of building muscle, but not overdoing caloric input and gaining plenty of fat as well. Virtually everyone gains fat alongside the muscle - this is normal. healthren.com

Commitment: Time and Money

Trying to gain weight requires a good deal of commitment - both in time, willpower, and money. All that food is expensive, and sometimes it's more convenient to skip meals or snacks when you need to be eating. It does help if your life is already routined or well-structured. You can then fit all your meals into your routine. healthren.com