Underweight in College: What to Do if You Struggle with the Opposite of the "Freshman 15" - Part 4 - Women Campus
- Indulge. Hey! You're trying to gain weight! So if you want dessert, or if that Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby is calling your name, don't hesitate. "Sugar is not the enemy nor are desserts," says Larsen. A little indulgence makes life sweeter and treats can easily fit into a healthy weight gain plan, as long as they don't crowd out other foods. Start with a baseline of healthful foods, like grains, dairy, and legumes to get all the nutrients you need, and let your treats be the icing on top! Since you do want to be healthy, Reinagel advises keeping the junk to a maximum of 10% of your calories.
There is so much to gain by gaining some healthy weight. After conquering her eating disorder and gaining the weight her body needed, Morgan says, "Not only do I feel healthier, but I have a better relationship with food. My hair stopped falling out and I started my period. Another upside to gaining weight? I'm actually able to fill out a bra now." From plain-old feeling better, to living longer, to finally getting those curves to fill out your clothes, you have nothing to lose! And with our tips, gaining weight can be as easy as slicing a piece of pie.
Unsure of whether or not you need to gain weight? Check out the Healthy Body Calculator® to see if you're in a healthy weight range for your height. And, of course, any good weight gain plan can benefit from the advice of a trained professional, so visit your campus nutritionist for even more ways to put on the pounds the right way.
*Name has been changed.
Sources
Monica Reinagel, M.S., L.D.N., C.N.S., host of the #1 ranked podcast, The
Nutrition Diva's Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling Fabulous;
Chief Nutritionist for NutritionData.com, the internet's leading nutrition site; and a contributor to Epicurious.com. Monica holds a Master's Degree in Human Nutrition and is a licensed and board-certified nutrition specialist. Monica has authored The Inflammation-Free Diet Plan and the upcoming Nutrition Diva's Secrets for a Healthy Diet (March 1, 2011).
Joanne Larsen, dietitian, www.dietitian.com (M.S., R.D., L.D.)
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/gain_healthy_parent.html
http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/gaining_weight.htm
