Gaining weight

Gaining weight... not something anyone wants to do really. Everyone is trying to LOSE weight. Follow this diet or that diet, cut out "these 5 foods," do these work outs, lose 10 lbs, lose 20 lbs. It's crazy making.
Some of us need to gain weight. Like me. I'm trying to gain weight right now, and it's harder than it seems. You have to eat A LOT to gain weight. To be exact, to gain a pound, you have to eat 3500 calories more than your RMR, resting metabolic rate.
You may be thinking "Just eat! Everything you want!" For me it's not that simple - every bite of food is hard, and anything extra is even harder. Mentally, logically, I know how to gain weight. Emotionally, gaining weight is really hard.
But if you're trying to gain weight, here are some tips!

- Eat 5-6 times a day. I eat 6 times a day; three meals, three snacks. Eat throughout the day, eat healthy, hearty snacks between your meals. For me it's easier to do 6 smaller meals instead of three really big meals. I don't feel as uncomfortable.

- Choose full fat, full calorie products. No "light" or "nonfat" foods! Full fat cheese, yogurt, milk

- Choose high calorie, dense, nutritious foods! Avocado, nuts and nut butters, dried fruit, cheese

- Cook with healthy fats! Olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil

- Add condiments, toppings, and spreads. Butter, salad dressing, cheese, ketchup, mayo, nuts and dried fruit in oatmeal, syrup or jelly on pancakes and waffles, cream and sugar in coffee

- Have caloric drinks with your meals. Juice, milk, gatorade, smoothies, milkshakes, supplements like ensure plus or boost

- Have dessert! Try to choose foods that are high in nutrients, but also enjoy full fat ice cream, cakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, brownies, frozen yogurt with lots of toppings... have fun!

Listen to your body... if you feel hungry, eat! I am working on just this. Listening to my body. I get scared of hunger, but really it can only help me right now!

Keep fighting friends!!