4000 Calories a Day

Alright, so I just started counting this morning. I did some research on this site and in some others and it seems like to get my goal of 135 to 175 pounds in 2 months, I have to eat about 4300 calories a day.

This seems possible to me, I did some research and compiled some foods with high calories, and this morning I managed 1500 calories for breakfast.

But before I do this for too long, I'm just looking for some advice. (Will this work? Foods I can eat. Lunch meals. Etc.)

You're very welcome :D

1. I'm a 6'1 female and I don't quite yet eat much like a 6'0 male, but will need to be hitting that soon ;P (and I know what they eat like - until not long ago I was going out with one for two and a bit years). Feel no need to apologise for yourself, hah. xD

2. Daily increases are good goal if you think it'd be more managable for you. :D I began the other way around, gradual increases ending up with me being frustrated and just adding a chunk on per week xD Remember you won't hit an exact number all days, though; set yourself a number, but remind yourself everyone goes over or under their calories by small amounts on some days. :] Just so long as it's not TOO far over or under.

3. Again, that's wise :] Lighter foods = less heavy on the stomach while still mustering calories. Your dinner is fairly late compared to mine, though - mine usually lands around 6-7pm. Still, give yourself about an hour to two hours (depending on density of what you ate last and at dinner, how full you feel/if you think it'll be uncomfortable to sleep on is usually what I go by). Spice is good for you! xP Capiscum speed the metabolism temporarily because, well, they generate heat.

How do you mean by making yourself uncomfortable? o:

4. Ah, do you mean like an exchange meal plan? I do estimate/count to make sure I get as close to my target as possible, but otherwise most of my attention goes to balance and nutrition. I make sure I have the "protein/carb/fruit or veg" balance at main meals and then get remaining servings of what I need from snacks or mini-meals. :]

A good way to introduce extra vegetables outside of main meals is eating them with hummus or guacamole - you could even make up a salsa and have even MORE veg in that way - and fruits are often portable in themselves (hooray for skins on bananas and pears). I've filled little plastic tubs with berries or a homemade salad - fruit or veg - before, too. With bingeing on fruit and veg... ahha, the stomach trouble is probably from either from the fruit sugars, or excess fibre intake that your body might not be used to. I find citrus fruits cause me a lot of pain, personally. \:

tuffstuff, it may be easier to get your fruits in by making a smoothie either as part of your breakfast or snack/dessert.  Add fruit like banana, blueberries and strawberries with a cup of milk or yogurt, few cubes of ice and 2T of peanut butter very tasty and calorie dense while getting your fruit in.  Sometimes it is easy to forget that salsa count as a veggie serving (try making your own, it's better for you) and use baked chips.  Gaining weight doesn't mean you have to eat a bunch of junk =)  Also, when you feel like cereal for your bedtime snack, you could cut up a banana or strawberry in it.

I can make a pretty calorie dense salad and eat it any day!  Baby spinach, blue cheese/feta/gorganzola, onion, peppers, carrots, olives, hard boiled egg, ham/turkey/chicken, turkey bacon, cottage cheese, croutons, and top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper.  You will get protein, fat, calories and nutrients out of that!

Leiann,

I don't have TOO much trouble with fruits when they are available.  My biggest issue is variety: I eat 2-3 apples and 1-2 bananas a day!

I'll have to try your salad suggestion.  I know last night was the first time I'd had veggies all week, but after a massive plate of veggies and dip my total dinner only ended up at 700 cals [with other items].  Hardly the 1000+ I'd planned on.  So I finally got veggies, but screwed up my calories!

 

I am glad you agree with eating healthy to gain weight. I am a serious athlete and the main reason I even WANT to gain weight is to be as strong and healthy as possible, not just to get the pounds on.

Yeah, that's good.  On your salads don't forget to add a meat/tofu/bean and cheese to up calories in a healthy way.  Start with salmon on top, it is awesome for you!