How do you gain weight?

[Hax]

Inspired by Myth's thread: I've been underweight for as long as I can remember, and I've tried several times (unsuccesfully) to gain weight. How does one go about doing that? Any tips or advice would be welcome.

I eat pretty much anything, no allergic or dietary restrictions.

[naut]

I'm by no means the biggest, but this worked for me.

Eat. Your body can't grow without the basic building blocks. Calculate your TDEE, then eat 500cal above it per day. Importantly, make all these calories a balance of protein, fat and complex carbs. Sugar will just make you tired and/or fat.

Exercise, preferably weightlift. You'll want your body to use the these extra macro nutrients to grow. If you can't weightlift (no access to a gym, etc) you can also try bodyweight exercises, weighted cardio, swimming, etc. A basic training scheme is 3 alternate days a week (i.e. Mon, Wed, Fri). It is possible to train more, but when gaining = more calories required. Plus when just starting 3 days a week is a much more reasonable and achievable goal.

Posture and form. As you grow and do strenuous exercises any postural problems you have will manifest. Stretch daily, I recommend Defranco's Agile 8 or Limber 11. Pick one, stick to it.

Further reading:
Gainit
Bodyweight Fitness

[Sp4]

Play video games and eat pizza all day =X

[Strike For The South]

whole milk
12 eggs
meat

deadlift

repeat

[Rhyfelwyr]

I used to be extremely skinny too, so I can advise you from personal experience.

Rather than just worrying about what to do, I think you should first worry about getting yourself in a position where you make sure you actually do it. Get a solid routine with eating your meals. Do not skip any. This is the most important point.

Now, unless you want to just gain fat, do some strength exercise. You probably don't want to go as far as weightlifting, so even just do press up variations and some other body weight exercises 3 times a week - they give surprisingly good results.

I am a slob, I either sit all day at work or spend all weekend on my latop/TV. I have not moved above walking pace in years. And yet, people always comment on how I am in good shape. This is simply because I spend half an hour three times a week doing body weight exercises, and I eat healthily and regularly. I think this is prisoners' secret to getting in shape.

As for foods for weight gain, whole fat milk is all you need. Drink 2 litres a day for around 1,300 calories and you will easily tip your calories balance into weight-gain territory. It is also full of protein and thus ensure you do not just gain fat, so long as you exercise. This was my main secret in going from around 145 lbs to 200 lbs. I now sit at around 180 lbs and have made sure it is a lean 180 lbs by getting plenty of protein (I was getting a noticeable belly at my biggest).

So - drink milk, keep your meals regular, and do your press ups.

[Hax]

Thanks guys

Yes, I am one of those freaks that can sit on the couch all day eating chocolate cake and pizza and not gain any weight. tbh, I was a vegetarian for six years, then I grew up.

EDIT: Keeping meals regular might be a problem, I have classes on Monday and Thursday from 6.30 until 9.30 PM, so that sucks.