How to gain Weight and nutriants after a long term illness?

[Anonymous]

I need some help, tips. Iv had a long term illness which has made me drop a lot of weight I'm 6ft and now only 55-60kgs. I just don't like eating anymore, are protein shakes any good or any specific superfood any good?

Iv seen a few doctors and they all say have little meals which iv started to but it doesn't really help I'm a smoker as well which does not help.

I have little to no fruit and veg either.

Any advice or suggestions please.

[xyzzy]

There is no such thing as a superfood. You want to gain weight? Eat an entire lamb roast to your self, followed by 4 litres of delicious cider. Every night. Protein shakes do work, but they are generally low on the kj/cal. They are even prescribed for "convalescence" (recovery from illness) because they provide you with all the amino acids you need. Go out with friends to an all-you can eat chiese buffet, (or any buffet for that matter).

If you want to investigate the protein shake path try:
Recommended amunt of protein powder
250ml+ milk
An egg
LSA powder or flax seeds
It's quite a low cost, very nutritious and a lot of protein.

Alternatively, you can eat high energy fruits like mango, durian, avocado (i love all of these). Like nuts? Cashews and Macadamias.

As you are very underweight, err on the side of more fat= better. Choose a chocolate milkshake over a can of coke, for example. Find something you love eating, (pork belly roast, entire roast duck, connoisseur ice cream... I could gorge on all of these.) and the weight will stack on.

[Asker]

Thanks I would eat a whole cow if I could but my stomach won't allow it.
Thanks for your tips I'll try them all I'm open to anything.

[Azara]

Ensure plus is concentrated in calories and protein. you could have one every 3 hours over a 15 hour period of time.

that would give you close to 2000 calories. you'd get more than enough protein and nutrients. I don't know how many calories you need but see if you lose or gain on that.

its pretty easy to down its not great or awful tasting just kind of blah. its concentrated so you don't need a lit at once and other than being kind of sweet fairly easy to ignore. just use a straw.

now I don't know what your money situation is. it can be costly. there are other protein shakes you can use. just don't use weight loss shakes bc those fill up.

[starac]

that's some good advice.
what was ur illness cz it is important to know if ensure plus is contraindicated with ur case

[Azara]

yes, you're right its a good idea to find out. but since he didn't include any dietary restrictions other than small meals , it seemed safe.

QA I'm sorry you were sick... are you still? i had the impression it was past.

[Asker]

Hi, I'm nearly recovered it was lung damage then failure.
Iv tried ensure plus it seems ok but no real rapid improvement

Thank you tho I'll try increase the amounts

[Azara]

Ok bc with liver damage or kidney damage sometimes you need low protein but if it's hit lungs protein si helpful in recovery.

And if its not helping it's probably bc you just need more... I know it's hard to east stuff when you're not hungry. Some people find it easier to just r Roy on liquid meals for a while othr people feel sick of they only drink their food. You can try only having ensure but having enough calories. If that bothers you have one with each meal.

I don't know how much you weigh but you want to have around 700 calories per 50 pounds. For weight maintainable. Check your weight then check it again in a week. If there no change then check again in a week. If there no change that's good. It means you're not losing weight that's good. You can add an extra five hundred calories a day to gain one pound a week.

That's a benefit of relying on ensure or something else already made , its esy to keep track of how much you're having and easy to determine

[Azara]

How much more you need or don't need:)

I'm really glad you're getting better. If you want any to message me feel free:-)