How to Gain Weight

I've always been thin and gaining weight was not easy.  With my current Crohn's flare, I have been losing weight==now around 10 pounds.  Any suggestions of how to gain.  I am lactose intolerant.  I've looked at weight gain powders but they all have dairy.  I use almond milk and found a frozen almond milk dessert to use to make milk shakes--also usually add a banana.  I don't have a big appetite but sometimes feel hungry.  Sometimes after I eat I get cramps and D--other times not.  Can you suggest something I've missed.  Thanks. 

I have the same problem. I have lost 80 lbs and looked malnourished. Have been on prednisone for 3 months and haven't gained a pound. I can't do the dairy or fresh fruits and veggies. My GI has me drinking Boost shakes. He says eventually I will gain some back.

Prednisone. ;)

The above suggestions are great!
Avocados are always a safe food for me (they go down easily, and almost feel soothing), so when I'm really sick I eat a lot of avocados drizzled in olive oil, since those are both healthy fats.

And regular coconut milk is a good choice also....I'll put it in tea like regular milk, or make cold fruit soups with it.In fact....

Copying & pasting a recipe from Monica Bhide's Modern Spice cookbook. I've always heard that papaya is good for digestion
Chilled Mango and Papaya Soup
4 servings

1 medium papaya, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 mango, peeled, seeded and chopped
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

In a blender or food processor, process papaya and mango until smooth.

strain through a mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any remaining pieces

Whisk in the coconut milk, salt and lime juice

Cover and refrigerate for two hours or until chilled

I've heard of people who put float a dab of coconut oil on black tea or coffee in the morning....I haven't tried this personally, but it seems like an easy way to work in some healthy fat to one's diet.

Eggdrop soup is another thing I can count on always being easy to digest. I'm horrible, and just get it from the Chinese takeout place down the road, so I'm sure it's packed with sodium and MSG and who knows what else, but I haven't successfully managed to make it myself (I think I'm not putting in the right amount of cornstarch? And the eggs end up scrambled somehow).

I've been there, and still am. I went down to 75 lbs, gained 10 lbs eating junk, like it was fast calories but junk, but hey, how long can one do that for, lol. I lost 5 of it, just by flaring and not having an appetite, but have since put a pound or two back.

I know you say you are lactose intolerant, but sometimes even though one can't drink milk, they can handle cheese like cheddar. It's high calorie, also, can you eat potatoes, like mashed with some butter or bacon fat? How about perogies with butter and sour cream? If you want some fast calories, order a cheeseburger, fries, and a soft drink. you won't have to eat much to get your daily calorie quota. Okay, maybe this isn't the route you want to take, but I mention these because I was desperate to gain weight. I told myself after I did, I would eat healthier. Oh, I also would chart calories, if I didn't have enough for the day, I would drink an Ensure. I'm not fond of the stuff, but once again, in desperation,  I forced myself to tolerate it.
To those who mention coconut milk, where is it sold, how many calories per cup? I looked at soya milk, and almond milk but they don't have all that much calories, so I'm looking for something that will boost my calories without me having to eat a bunch of extra stuff.

Post Edited (dorri) : 7/9/2013 12:31:35 AM (GMT-6)

I don't have coconut milk but have the coconut oil. I bought the virgin coconut oil at my health food store. A bit pricey for a little jar, but it keeps really well and doesn't go rancid, it tastes like coconut.

If you're not use to eating junk food, then now is probably not the time to start especially if you are in a flaring state. It may make it worse.
Best of luck in putting on weight. Rooting right along with you.

Thanks Dorri and bananagirl. I couldn't find the coconut oil today, I'll check other stores tomorrow. I'll let you know how I'm doing. Stopping the weight from falling off would be such a great first step. Today I've had a couple of shakes and some pastina. So far so good .

dorri, there are a lot of brands of coconut cream in the ethnic section of grocery stores. I get Aroy-D.