Meal Plan For Gaining Weight
Looking to gain weight in a healthy way? Discover our 7-day meal plan for weight gain, designed to help you increase your calorie intake with nutritious foods. We'll also show you how to efficiently turn these meal plans into a shopping list. Time to embark on your journey to a healthier you!
Meal plan grocery list
Pancake mix
Maple syrup
Eggs
Bread
Cheese
Avocado
Tomato soup
Pasta
Chicken
Olive oil dressing
Waffle mix
Sausage
Greek yogurt
Mushrooms
Spinach
Bagels
Cream cheese
Smoked salmon
Banana
Berries
Milk
Beef
Ribeye steak
Asparagus
Oatmeal
Whole milk
Peanut butter
Tortillas
Rice
Beans
Sour cream
Creamy dill sauce
Potatoes
Broccoli
Bacon
Alfredo sauce
Tuna
Sweet potatoes
Parmesan
Spaghetti
Greens
Meal plan overview
Looking to gain weight healthily? Our 7-day meal plan for weight gain is focused on increasing calorie intake with nutritious foods.
It's designed to help you reach your weight goals in a healthy, balanced way. Enjoy meals that are both calorie-dense and nutrient-rich.
Foods to eat
- High-Calorie Proteins: Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and plant-based protein sources like beans and lentils.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish for extra calories and essential fatty acids.
- Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Whole milk, full-fat yogurt, cheese, and other high-calorie dairy products.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and oats for sustained energy.
- Fruits: Bananas, mangoes, avocados, and dried fruits for added calories and nutrients.
- Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters for a calorie-dense snack.
- Protein Shakes: Supplement with protein shakes or smoothies with added fruits, nut butters, and yogurt.
- Strength Training: Incorporate weightlifting exercises to build muscle mass.
- Frequent Meals: Eat multiple smaller meals throughout the day to increase overall calorie intake.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Low-Calorie Snacks: Minimize intake of low-calorie snacks that may fill you up without providing many nutrients.
- Excessive Fiber: While fiber is important, avoid excessive fiber intake, which can make you feel fuller.
- Empty Calorie Foods: Reduce consumption of foods with empty calories, such as sugary drinks and candies.
- Highly Processed Foods: Limit processed foods, which may lack essential nutrients and contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
- Excessive Cardio: While cardiovascular exercise is essential for health, excessive cardio can burn additional calories.
- Low-Fat Products: Opt for full-fat versions of dairy products and avoid excessive reliance on low-fat alternatives.
- Unplanned Snacking: Plan meals and snacks to ensure consistent calorie intake throughout the day.
- Empty Calorie Beverages: Choose nutrient-dense beverages over those high in empty calories.
- Consult a Professional: If in doubt, seek guidance from a nutritionist or healthcare professional to create a personalized plan.
Main benefits
The Meal Plan For Gaining Weight provides a structured approach to increase calorie intake and promote healthy weight gain. This meal plan emphasizes nutrient-dense foods, including lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, to support muscle development. Regular and balanced meals, along with strategic snacks, contribute to a gradual and sustainable weight gain. With a focus on overall nutritional intake, this meal plan supports individuals looking to achieve their weight gain goals in a healthy and controlled manner.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
Gaining weight healthily requires consuming calorie-dense, nutritious foods. Here are some beneficial alternatives:
- Replace pancake mix with whole grain pancake mix for added fiber and nutrients.
- Instead of bread, try bagels for a more calorie-dense option.
- Switch milk with whole milk for a higher calorie, nutrient-rich beverage.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a higher protein content.
- Substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes for a more nutrient-dense, high-calorie side.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
High-calorie, nutritious snacks for weight gain:
- Peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread
- Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
- Granola bars with nuts and honey
- Full-fat Greek yogurt with granola
- Avocado toast with olive oil and egg
- Protein shake with milk and banana
- Cheese and whole grain crackers
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For weight gain, smoothies with full-fat milk, bananas, and nut butters offer a calorie-rich option. Whole milk provides calcium and extra calories. Fresh fruit juices supply vitamins and natural sugars. Sports drinks can be used occasionally for extra calories and energy. Herbal teas can be included for hydration and health benefits.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Weight Gain
Day 1
- Breakfast: Whole grain pancakes with maple syrup and a side of scrambled eggs
- Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich with avocado and tomato soup
- Dinner: Creamy pasta with chicken, mushrooms, and spinach
Calories: 2600 Fat: 110g Carbs: 250g Protein: 90g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon, and a fruit smoothie
- Lunch: Beef burrito with rice, beans, cheese, and sour cream
- Dinner: Baked salmon with creamy dill sauce, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli
Calories: 2700 Fat: 105g Carbs: 265g Protein: 95g
Day 3
- Breakfast: French toast with butter and syrup, and a side of bacon
- Lunch: Chicken alfredo pasta with garlic bread
- Dinner: Ribeye steak with baked potato and sour cream, and grilled asparagus
Calories: 2800 Fat: 120g Carbs: 255g Protein: 105g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with whole milk, banana, and peanut butter
- Lunch: Tuna melt sandwich with cheese and a side of sweet potato fries
- Dinner: Chicken parmesan with spaghetti and a side salad with olive oil dressing
Calories: 2700 Fat: 110g Carbs: 260g Protein: 95g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Belgian waffles with strawberries, whipped cream, and a side of sausage
- Lunch: BBQ pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and baked beans
- Dinner: Beef stroganoff with egg noodles and a side of glazed carrots
Calories: 2800 Fat: 115g Carbs: 265g Protein: 100g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce and a side of hash browns
- Lunch: Meatball sub with provolone cheese and a side of Caesar salad
- Dinner: Roast chicken with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans
Calories: 2750 Fat: 115g Carbs: 250g Protein: 105g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Blueberry muffins with butter and a Greek yogurt parfait
- Lunch: Philly cheesesteak sandwich with a side of onion rings
- Dinner: Lamb chops with mint sauce, roasted potatoes, and sautéed spinach
Calories: 2650 Fat: 110g Carbs: 240g Protein: 100g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024