The Best Foods to Include in Your Healthy Diet for Weight Gain
Introduction
Gaining weight can be as challenging as losing weight, especially for those with a fast metabolic rate. While junk foods and sugary snacks are easy to turn to when trying to gain weight, they do little in promoting overall health. However, the good news is that with the right diet, weight gain can be achieved healthily. This article outlines some of the best foods to include in your healthy diet for weight gain.
Whole Grains
Whole grains, unlike refined grains, are rich in fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants that help in improving overall health. Whole-grain foods like brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread, and whole-wheat pasta are also rich in complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly in the body, providing long-lasting energy for daily activities. Including whole grains in your diet is an excellent way to promote weight gain in a healthy way.
Nut and Nut Butters
Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also calorie-dense, meaning that they provide more calories per serving than most other foods. Adding nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews, to your diet can significantly boost weight gain. Nut butters like peanut butter and almond butter also contain healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them excellent choices for healthy weight gain.
High-Calorie Fruits
Fruits are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber, making them an essential part of a healthy diet. While most fruits are low in calories, some fruits like bananas, mangoes, and avocados are high in calories and make an excellent choice for healthy weight gain. These fruits can be added to smoothies, oatmeal or eaten as a snack for maximum benefits.
Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in protein, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy weight gain. They also help in building and repairing muscles, which is crucial in weight gain. Whole milk, in particular, is rich in calories and healthy fats while also being a source of hydration, making it an excellent choice for those looking to gain weight healthily.
Lean Proteins
Protein is a vital nutrient in weight gain as it helps to build and repair muscles. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, turkey, lean meat, and tofu, are excellent choices for healthy protein intake. As much as red meat is also rich in protein, it is essential to choose lean cuts to avoid excessive intake of saturated fats and cholesterol.
Conclusion
Gaining weight in a healthy way comes down to choosing the right foods. By including whole grains, nuts, high-calorie fruits, dairy products, and lean proteins in your diet, you can achieve healthy weight gain while promoting overall health. Adding these foods to your diet in moderation, along with a regular exercise routine, can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and well-being.