I need some strategic advice

I'm 23 years old, 6 feet tall, and 126 lbs.  Back in the day I used to weigh somewhere between 160-175.  I got into shape and was weighing around 140-150 something.  Then I hit a rough spot in my life and ended up eating too little and stressing too much, to the point where I am today (and still losing as of my last weigh-in).  I am bound and determined to get up to 140, but I have a problem:

I simply cannot get enough calories down each day.  On a very good day I get past 2,000 calories (1960 is my daily burn, according to CC).  I try to get a good mix of healthy, high cal foods (me and peanut butter are real close buds at this point), but I usually scrape under 2,000 anyway.  It's not an appetite issue: I want to eat pretty much all of the time.  The problem is bloating.

It does not seem to matter much what I eat, or at times even how much I eat, I just bloat.  I'm constipated, too, even though I try to get enough fiber and liquids.  I don't think my diet is particularly high in sodium.  It could be stress-related, as I still have tons of stress right now, but that's only partially in my control at the moment.

Any suggestions as to how I might approach this problem?  I've considered just using a gainer supplement to get me up to what I need, and maybe the bloating will go down by the time I need to start maintaining, but I don't really want to do that (it's expensive, and I've heard they taste pretty nasty).  What should I do?

The reason why you are bloating is probably because youa ren't eating calorie dense foods.

By that I mean foods that are high in good fats, protein or carbs.

Foods that are calorie dense are:

• Granola
• Dried Fruits
• Almond
• Walnuts
• Peanut Butter
• Peanuts
• Almond Butter
• Nutella [isnt very nutritional]
• Olive oil
• Bagels

So try having a bagel with  2 huge scoops of  peanut butter plus 2 handful of nuts.

This is roughly 480-520 calories.

And to add some more drink full fat milk.

This will +120 calories or so.

Original Post by marcvs:

I'm 23 years old, 6 inches tall, and 126 lbs. 

Haha, did you mean 6 feet tall? AT 6'0", 140lbs gives you a BMI of 19. Weight gainers are normally advised to aim for a BMI of 20, which gives you a small buffer for relapse/unintended weight loss before you become dangerously underweight again.

I second Dekkos. You might be eating calorie dense foods but underestimating how much or how often you eat them. The weight gain forum has a stickied list of calorie-dense foods you can add to your diet.

Bloating is also a natural part of the weight gain process for many people. Just keep going and it will eventually go away as you get closer to a healthy weight.

I would recommend making a meal plan and sticking to it whether you are hungry or bloated or not. Eat small but calorie dense meals more often in order to minimise bloating. Adding lots of liquids like smoothies, milk and juice to your diet is another way to increase calories without too much bloating.

Original Post by marcvs:

It could be stress-related, as I still have tons of stress right now, but that's only partially in my control at the moment.

Stress does affect the acidity of the stomach and that can cause bloating/gas and indigestion.  Have you tried over-the-counter antacids?  Preparations like Gaviscon can be very soothing and cooling.  

The constipation won't be helping your guts either.  If it's persistent despite increasing your intake of vegetables and fluids then try adding a couple of kiwifruit to your day, or prunes with breakfast or other natural laxatives.  If that doesn't work then a gentle laxative taken at night could help.  And if all else fails, do see your doctor because you may need medication.

Otherwise, start early, eat frequently and consciously eat a little slower, chewing food well before swallowing.  Good luck

I have a lot of bloating and gas sorry for too much info. I have IBS as well. I know from past weight gains that being uncomfortable and having stomach pressure is part of this and there is no option. I have been checked but if you have not by a doctor I suggest that. If all is ok then you have to remind yourself that your stomach and body is messed up and once you train it to feel hunger and for better digestion things should get better. Think of eating every few hours 6 meals a day. Being so tall you are going to need a lot more. Sometimes when I feel I can't do something with ed recovery I think if i were offered a million dollars to do it would I be able? Usually it is yes and then it reminds me the ed is making me feel I can't but I can and if I don't. It is choosing not to. It sounds stupid but it helps me follow through

Thanks for the advice, everyone.  I do eat a lot of calorie dense stuff, but I struggle because I also want to get my veggies in there, too.  Plus, a lot of this high-cal stuff is high in fiber, and I can't imagine that's helping anything.  Nevertheless, smaller, more dense meals and more high-cal liquids sounds like the way to go for me right now.  I'm sure this stomach stuff will all start to clear out once I start really gaining.

It also may be possible that you need a bit more fat in your diet.  That can also help with constipation and of course is also energy dense. 

Yes some find ground flaxseed which can be added to yogurt or cereal to help as it has healthy fats that lubricate and also fiber. It really can take time though for gi issues. I know even after I had gotten to a healthier weight it took a long time to feel more regular. For veggies you can stir fry them in olive oil,dip raw ones in dressing. Make sure to have enough fluids with fiber or it gets real backed up. Heathy fats does help though

Original Post by marcvs:

Thanks for the advice, everyone.  I do eat a lot of calorie dense stuff, but I struggle because I also want to get my veggies in there, too.  Plus, a lot of this high-cal stuff is high in fiber, and I can't imagine that's helping anything.  Nevertheless, smaller, more dense meals and more high-cal liquids sounds like the way to go for me right now.  I'm sure this stomach stuff will all start to clear out once I start really gaining.

I currently try to eat high cal with minimal fibre, and liquid calories are certainly the way to go - I recommend milkshakes! toast is also quite a good one for me cause I can pile honey on it lol. tastes good too and doesn't fill me up too much. can you replace at least one fruit/veggie serving with juice? that should help a lot with the density issue.