Healthy High Calorie Foods
In addition to those people who are looking to lose weight, there are also those who seek to add additional pounds. This can include people who participate in sports such as football or bodybuilding, or individuals who have trouble maintaining a desired weight due to a fast metabolism. These people can benefit by eating foods that are higher in calories that still provide health benefits.
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Protein
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Protein is the primary nutrient you need when gaining wait, as it is necessary for building muscle. Your diet should include foods that are high in protein but low in saturated fats. Lean meat such as chicken, turkey and fish are suitable choices. For the vegetarian, options include beans, tofu and yogurt.
Carbohydrates
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Consuming carbohydrates will help you gain weight while providing energy. The best form of carbohydrates come from whole grain foods such as whole grain bread, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. You should also consume a minimum of five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. One option for weight gain is to include a glass of all-natural fruit juice with every meal.
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Fats
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Although fats can be harmful if consumed in excess, they are an important part of a weight-gain diet. "Good" fats provide the calories needed for extra weight while providing nutrition needed to maintain healthy cells and promote the absorption of nutrients, as well as increasing energy. Healthy fats can be found in foods like olive oil, peanut butter, avocados and fish like salmon and tuna.
Supplements
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For additional healthy weight gain, you can supplement your diet with protein products. Items found at health food stores such as protein shakes and powders will provide additional calories and the protein needed for muscle growth. Soy products such as milk are another healthy way to add pounds.
Snacks
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To gain weight, it is also helpful to eat between meals. Snacks like wheat or rye crackers will provide additional calories with relatively little fat and can be supplanted by spreading on peanut butter. A handful of nuts contains about 200 calories and contains healthy fats. You could also eat handfuls of healthy cereals like Cheerios or Wheat Chex.
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