Safe healthy weight gain?

[ts971]

Hello, as I have a still unanswered question on @JeffN fascinating discussion on calorie density https://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=53177#p617310

It seems the focus is on weight loss. Is this the case? My wife needs a sensible approach to weight gain and I would love to know anyone's thoughts on this.

I understand that weight gain is just the reverse, but what foods, portions, frequency? It seems no one talks about this. I even saw one of Dr. McDougall's newsletters on it some years ago "How Do I Gain Weight on the McDougall Diet? I’m Not Joking!", but I would like suggestions on the practicalities of it.

Thanks in advance.

[michaelswarm]

I’ve got 3 children ages 7, 5 and 4. Healthy weight gain is exactly what children need. Though at that age it’s just growth.

Here’s my notes
Gain Weight (children, athletes, too thin, etc.)
- Strength exercise to build muscle (requires extra calories)
- Food attractive and available (Make food interesting.)
- Higher calorie density: bread, dry fruit, nuts, etc.
- Fruit, dry fruit and fruit juices
- Eat starches first
- Larger portions
- Extra meals
- Liquid calories: smoothies

I do all of these for the kids. From play outside (exercise), to tasty food (add small amounts of salt and sugar), higher calorie foods (bread with peanut butter), to always full fruit bowl, to extra meals (snacks) and smoothies. They seem to be growing ok. Help me to rest well knowing I’m doing everything I can so they can reach their full growth potential.

And link to Dr McDougall about the issue
http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougal ... weight.htm

[PJK]

Dr McD has answered this question elsewhere:

https://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2003nl ... weight.htm

[ts971]

Of course, my questions were a follow up to what that article did not address.
We are looking for a meal plan with approximate calorie density of each portion.
Thank you.

[Mom+Me]

I am by no means an expert, and any weight issue of that of my family, friends, and self have always been to lose weight, but I would think the reverse would work.

To lose a pound of weight, in general one needs to eat 3,500 calories less (exercise of course plays a role, too). So to gain a pound, I would think 3,500 extra calories would have to be consumed.

So in theory, if your wife daily ate 500 extra calories more than she currently eats every day, she should gain 1 pound in 1 week.

There is an online tool that I've heard people refer to, I think it's chronometer or something like that. You should be able to plug in the #'s of what she currently eats to get an idea of how many calories she's already consuming and how many more she would need.

I'll try to see if I can find out about it and get back.

[Mom+Me]

I guess that this is it.

I hope it helps. Please post further questions and experiences.

By the way, welcome to the Discussion Board!

All the best to you and your wife.