would like to gain weight

[solarliving]

I have always been on the thin side, and eating raw makes me too thin. Mostly because I'm consuming mainly fruits and vegetables. I've read a lot about Raw foods and the not eating too much fat theory kind of stuck with me. Lately I've been eating more nuts, seeds, avocados, bananas to get more calories, but I'm unsure if this is ok. I guess I'm asking for someone to tell me it's ok to eat more fats : )

I'm also wondering if any experts out there can tell me how many more calories I would need to gain 10lbs.

I am 5'6" and I weigh 110. I get a fair amount of exercise, and I work as a Massage Therapist.

[Rawkinlocs]

Well, I'm sure some will tell you to stick with no/low fats...but you know how WE do it 'round here! ;)

Do you feel you appear emaciated or appear/feel unhealthy or do you just want to be a little thicker for your OWN aesthetics? I've always been of the mind that sometimes what's truly an ideal weight for our bodies may not be what WE necessarily have in mind that we want.

But if you feel okay eating a bit more fat, then please have your fat...only if it makes YOU feel poorly should you keep the amount at a minimum. Just my 2 cents!

[solarliving]

I do feel like I look more emaciated and I have always wanted more of a fuller body. So I guess it's both. I respect your opinion. I am going to continue eating more fats and see how I feel.

Thanks

[SmilingRawDancer]

I second Rawkinlocks!

I think maybe evaluate your "too thin" view, and do what makes you happy.
I'd up the fats, as I've never seen/had any problems or changes of energy with fats. Some people say fats slow healing, but I think alot of the issues that people have with fats are all in their minds (sorry! Ahhhh I'm being offensive today ).

Good luck! And of course I have to mention the dreaded "weight training/muscle building" for weight gain.
But other than that, eat oils. They contain tons of calories for such a small amount. Add coconut oil to smoothies. That's an easy one :)
(for me anyways....I know some people who lose lots of weight with fats...but for me its a simple matter of eating too many calories. I think it might just be where my body is at its "healing process"...I think I'm still recovering from past body trauma, so my body wants to hold onto every calorie I eat :-\)

[BethMarie]

I read in Allisa's book that sometimes you lose weight, but then regain a healthy normal weight once your body goes through cleansing, or whatever -- I don't know how long you have been raw. But I thought avacados were great for the raw diet, they are so healthy and get a bad rap I think. I haven't eaten any for a while, but probably should get some in from time to time.
110 lbs is pretty slim for 5'6", but as long as you're healthy that is what is important -- a healthy and natural slim is better than an anorexic one. Models are all slim, so if that is your natural and HEALTHY physique, then be glad for it -- but make sure you are truly healthy.

[kiropa]

so, a simple answer to your question is you need to consume an additional 3,500 calories to gain one pound.

basically, if you maintain your current weight by eating as you do now. then add 500 calories per day to gain one pound a week.

500 calories could be an avocado and a banana. a couple bananas. honrstly, the calories need not be fat calories (but that's the simplest way that will not require eating a ton).

make sense?

[lovenmama]

I read in Allisa's book that sometimes you lose weight, but then regain a healthy normal weight once your body goes through cleansing, or whatever -- I don't know how long you have been raw. But I thought avacados were great for the raw diet, they are so healthy and get a bad rap I think. I haven't eaten any for a while, but probably should get some in from time to time.
110 lbs is pretty slim for 5'6", but as long as you're healthy that is what is important -- a healthy and natural slim is better than an anorexic one. Models are all slim, so if that is your natural and HEALTHY physique, then be glad for it -- but make sure you are truly healthy.

Completely agree!

[solarliving]

Thanks for your advice. I've been 100% for 2 weeks now and I've been mostly 80% Raw for 2 years. My normal weight is 118 lbs, so the 8 lbs. makes a difference. People at work keep telling me if I lose any more weight I'll blow away. I have to agree with them because I see this as well. I considered the thought that the body will normalize after being raw for a while, but how thin can one go? I don't feel the need to go through that process. I know getting a certain amount of calories is key as well as absorbtion of nutrients. If 500 extra calories is all I need, then that sounds easy.

Thanks all

and Have a Happy Raw Day!

[Lunar*Fey]

Solarliving,
I am the same way in a very similar situation...only it is far more pressing for me to gain weight or I'll be sent away, but we wont go there. I need to gain 5-10 lbs as well. More importantly I need to absorb all the nutrients. But anyway, upping the calories by 500 every day for a week should enable you to gain one pound for week. Of course it doesn't always work out perfectly, at least not for me. It's totally ok to eat more fats! I am the same with the whole liking the lower fat/higer fruit way of eating. I've upped the carb calories multiple times with no real progress. Recently I've upped the greens and fat, while keeping a lot of fruit and have slowly started to gain weight. I probably get about 20% fat now with like 11 or 12% protein. But I wouldn't get caught up on numbers, just do what feels right. You can always go back to lower fat if it doesn't work :)
I've always been really lightweight too by the way...

best of luck and keep us posted :)
have a beautiful day

[solarliving]

Hey thanks Lunar Fey. I feel more relaxed about the subject now. I love those Cashew shakes, and of course the fudge balls. Mmmm.
I just got Alissa's DVD and I can't wait to make some scrumptious recipes.

I have to say, I'm so happy lately, I feel love pouring out of me.

Peace