I am underweight how can I regain lbs?

[Anonymous]

I am 5ft 4inches

current weight 103lbs

I have been dealing with some stress since March 2013 (I am seeing a counselor) Consequently, I lost my appetite and 15lbs.

To date I have been eating a lot better and I have gained 4lbs over the last month but it isn’t enough as I am 10lbs underweight.

I have frequent headaches, dizzy spills, heartburn, acid reflux, flatulence, weakness and tiredness. I also sleep a lot. I do plan to see a Dr. by the second week in June (I would be financially capable) for professional help but I would like to know what I can do to gain weight.

Should I eat 3 main meals and 3 side meals a day?

Exercise?

Drink a lot of fruit juices or milkshakes?

Eat more protein (I was never a big meat eater)?

Drink more water?

Eat a lot of foods rich in sugar?

Any thing you know of please share with me.

I look like a scarecrow, none of my clothes fit right and I lost some confidence.

Thank you

[springocelot]

I suffered something similar when I was in college due to some stressful personal events. Lost 10lbs in a short span. It took some time to get back. Didn't look pretty either as I'm naturally skinny.

First, at 1lb/week, your weight gain appears going at a normal rate. Keep it up.

Second, you want a healthy weight gain, so don't eat too much sugars. Sugar gets quickly converted to fat if you don't use it quickly. Plus, it won't satiate you the way healthy foods do. So just eat more calories of healthy foods. For example, eggs, cheese, nuts, chicken with rice and veggies, or fruit shake with milk and protein powder. When I'm lazy I like drinking Ensure Plus. Eat 3 meals + 2 snacks. Also, taking a multi-vitamin helped me a bit with feeling better.

Definitely see the doctor. The symptoms you're experiencing sounds like a result of a nutritional, vitamin/mineral deficiency from the weight loss. The doctor can determine which vitamins, etc. you're lacking with a simple blood test. You can also talk to the doctor about starting an appropriate exercise regimen.

Finally, try to relax. I know it's often easier said than done, but it makes eating normally a whole lot easier.

[martyfellow]

Exercise is beneficial in that it will oblige you to eat a healthy diet in order to grow muscle tissue, and will balance your body's chemistry in general. Your body twill DEMAND better nutrition as you step up an exercise program.

Yes, to gain weight, you'll need more protein, but don't overdo it. Eat measured amounts for a while, until you've developed good habits and can trust your own body to tell you how much of anything it needs.

Sugar, you only need enough to provide energy to work out. Don't overdo that either. Again, the intake should be measured until you're back in a physiologically balanced condition.

Exercise will help with the headaches and other symptoms of poor nutrition that you're experiencing now. It will also brighten your overall mood and that should help get rid of the headaches and tired feelings.

[loda1994]

had the same problem. been underweight since birth but I don't remember suffering any symptoms like the one you have.

best gain weight advice I ever had was this. eat normally like you do every day and after the breakfast with one hour make this shake (1 cup of milk, 3 boiled eggs, one cup of yogurt, 2 tea spoons of milk cream) shake them in the blinder and drink. drink it after breakfast with one hour and after dinner too.

always carry snacks like cakes in your purse or bag with you when you feel hungry eat them.

make your favorite sandwiches enough for a week and eat it when hungry between meals in your home.

ps: fast food will get you fat and flappy and will increase cholesterol levels.

you seriously need to see a doctor about your problems I don't thin they are because you are underweight

[dan_i_am]

First off, the same thing happens to me. When I get extremely stressed, I lose weight. I don't TRY, it just comes off. (BTW - don't tell overweight people about this, they get very pissed off. Ask me how I know...)

A couple of points:

First, it took time to lose the weight, so it will take time to put it back on. This is hard, but be patient.

Second, keep doing what you are doing. I say that because you said you gained four pounds in a month, and that's a pound a week! If an overweight person lost this amount, they would alert the media.

DO, see the doctor - I'm not one. But, I'd suggest eating three balanced meals a day plus two small snacks. Pick "calorie dense" foods. (E.g. peanut butter, whole milk, pizza - you get the idea.)

Good luck! You are doing great (but see the doctor)

Dan

[Thatoneguyxander]

Your not that far underweight to be experiencing such drastic symptoms it sounds like a nutrition issue from a deficiency of some sort. Talk to your doctor about your diet and excercise regiment as well as any supplements you take if any. Some conditions that could apply to your symptoms are type 2 or one diabetes, acute stress reaction, sinusitis, mono, fibromyalgia, caffeine withdrawal, and over a dozen other possibilities. Make sure you go to your doctor and be sure of what your issue is. Don't just start eating random things to try and fix it yourself. Millions of other people have already done your trial and error answers, your doctor has the research.

[Blobb]

It's simple, but not easy.

Simple in that all you really have to do is eat more calories. Whatever you're eating now, eat more. If you're not sure. Count calories one day and just estimate if you're eating more or less and if you're in doubt, eat more.

No apetite? eat anyways. Too full? eat anyway.

The hard part is stuffing your face 24/7.

[Anonymous]

eat more calories. it's as simple as that.

particularly I'd try more fast food since it's is loaded with fat and calories. I'm sure some douche will come here and say eat more healthy sh*t like carrots and apples but those don't have enough calories to make you gain weight.

[kheserthorpe]

Go heavy on higher calorie things you actually enjoy.

Nuts and cheese for example pack a lot of healthy calories into a small amount.

What foods do you enjoy?

[Asker]

I don't really remember I have only been having lunch for the past two months this month I have two meals breakfast and lunch

[kheserthorpe]

Why aren't you eating more frequently?

Many small meals might be easier.

[Anonymous]

I think that is a good weight

[beastman88]

eat more