$Unique_ID{BRK00820}
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$Title{How About Help for Gaining Weight?}
$Subject{weight gain Community Social diet diets food foods nutrition exercise
training breakfast Add fruits high-calorie nutritious complex carbohydrates}
$Volume{Q-26}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How About Help for Gaining Weight?


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QUESTION:  While you frequently help people who ask about losing weight, how
about a little help for me.  I want to put on a few pounds and need a tip or
two.  Will you please consider a column for us skinnies?

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ANSWER:  Absolutely, although I must admit I envy you your problem.  Eating
more is only part of the answer, just as eating less isn't the whole solution
for losing weight.  If you're an athlete and interested in building muscle
mass, consuming additional calories won't accomplish your goal.  Proper
exercise and training will be needed.
     Although it's depressing news for dieting women who are limited to 1,200
or so calories a day, it is true that some athletes have trouble eating enough
to maintain or gain weight.  But no wonder, one study showed that university
football players needed 5,270 calories a day!
     How do you add those calories?  Don't rely on junk foods like potato
chips, candy bars, and soft drinks.  Although upping your consumption of
sweets and fats is an easy way to increase your calorie intake, you'll
sacrifice good nutrition.
     Remember that protein should make up to 10 to 15 percent of your daily
calories, fats 30 to 35 percent (with only 10 percent saturated fats), and
carbohydrates the remaining 50 to 60 percent.  And follow these tips:

     Make sure you don't skip breakfast.
     Add bananas and other fruits to your cereal.
     Nibble throughout the day on high-calorie but nutritious snacks like
dried fruits and nuts.
     Consume fair quantities of complex carbohydrates like potatoes, rice,
macaroni, and other pasta.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.