Gaining or regaining weight can be just as difficult as losing weight. When done in a smart, healthful way, many of the same basic principles apply to both gaining and losing weight.
Here are some tips on gaining muscle or bone mass without adding extra fat:
If you have a small appetite, eat five to six times a day. Drink fluids before and after meals, but not with them. This helps leave more room for food.
Top your usual foods with some concentrated calories, like grated cheese on a cup of chili. Spread peanut or almond butter on a whole-grain
muffin.
Prepare hot oatmeal or other cereal with milk, not water. Add powdered milk, margarine, honey, dried fruits and/or nuts after cooking.
Garnish salads with healthy oils such as olive oil, whole olives, avocados, nuts and sunflower seeds.
Pump up soups, casseroles, mashed potatoes and liquid milk with 1 to 2 tablespoons of dry milk powder.