hard gainer, very high metabolism

i have been required to gain the final 5 pounds back from being underweight for a while, i am so close, yet so far.

ive started a lifting regimen at the local gym, with a trainer. Its very high intensity and very hard. However my metabolism is rediculously high. the nutritionist i saw estimated my caloric intake at 4000+ and yet im still not gaining very much weight, if much at all.

btw: im 115 pounds, and 5 foot 5. 18 years old.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

im simply just too stuffed and full after meals, since i eat a very healthy diet, so its rather hard to fit in calories.

plus, im tired of ice cream, sweets, etc. So thats not gonna cut it.

Hi there!  You sound a lot like me. I have a hard time gaining weight because every time I increase my intake my metabolism eventually speeds up to compensate!

Last summer I was injured, not doing ANY activity [not even ab work] and maintaining a lower weight that I am now on 4000 calories.  Now that I'm running again my body is actually better at conserving calories and I THINK I'm gaining--we'll see come Monday!  Still, I aim to get my calories to a steady 4000+ by August.  And if the metab kicks in high gear, I'll find a way to make it 5000 this fall!

Lifting is a good idea.  That was the key for me gaining 10lbs a couple years ago.  I don't have access to a gym right now, but I need to stop using that as an excuse!

 

Can you stock up on some salty nuts, something dipped in avocado and hummus, stuff like that?  I like making eating a cycle of spicy/salty, washed down with creamy/sweet, and topped off with something to drink.  It helps me eat more and get all the tastes [and variety] in.

 

I'm in it with you...we can do this, whatever it takes, right?!

heh thats right!

i dont do extreme workouts either, i do cardio on the elliptical, for about 30 -40 minutes, setting 12 at about 150 rpm.

on most days i mountian bike for about 1 hour, and i also walk the dog most days, very slow pace, its a dog, ya know?

maybe i should cut back the cardio? because the lifting has helped me put on size ( about 4 pounds of muscle in a few weeks)

but now like ive said, my metabolic rate is very very high for my size.

I totally understand.  Like I said, my metabolism has been craziest at times of NOT working out.

 

I think if your primary reason for activity is for fitness reasons then your best bet for now is to reproportion your activity.  Maybe just warm up on the elliptical and focus on 3 good strength sessions each week.  Definitely keep it at 30min max.  Once you've built the bod you can reproportion your workout sessions.

Keep in mind that with lifting, especially the bulk up kind, you need at least 24 hours recovery or nothing has a chance to get built. 

sounds good, i am doing cardio mostly 4 times a week, but perhaps i should cut back the acutall time, thanks for the tip.