Tricky situation :)

[ChristinNH]

I'm new here, so excuse me if this has been asked/answered before. I'm a 20 year old female, 5'4 with a small frame. I'm currently 95 lbs (TOTALLY unhealthy), and it seems as if I can't do anything to get the weight back on (I used to be 110, but i quit drinking and have been very stressed out)obviously since I'm unhealthy, I feel it in my body all day, every day. i'm constantly tired, my skin and hair aren't healthy and I have an iron deficiency. Now my question is: 1) i heard I could use whey protein as a way to get my weight back up - is that true? is there anything else I should know about it? and 2) I want to drink more water for the benefits -- but how do I do that without loosing anymore weight? I'm truly desperate, my health is at stake! Any suggestions would help. Thanks

[Lost Dog]

What's the problem keeping you from eating enough food to gain weight?

Whey protein is certainly something that you can eat, but it's mostly just protein, and not balanced from a dietary perspective. Are you planning to make shakes because drinking is easier for you?

What you put in with the whey can help as much as the whey itself. Like a banana and some peanut butter, for instance.

[CaraBeth]

Do you know how many calories you currently eat? If you do, try to add a couple hundred more each day. Focus on calorie-dense foods like granola, peanut butter, avocado, etc. Don't go for fat-free dairy products - you can afford low-fat or full fat! As pp suggested, protein shakes can be an easy way to pack in a bunch of calories without feeling like you're sitting down to a full meal. For example, a scoop of protein with 2 tbsp peanut butter and a cup of milk could be about 400 calories (depends on brand of protein powder).

[EasyRhino]

I guess the question would be... why can't you gain weight? What happens when you try to eat more?

[coach hale]

Find some calorie dense foods that you enjoy
Increase your shakes calorie density by adding peanut butter, cream, extra virgin olive oil, flax see oil
If you have problems eating heavy meals snack often through out the day on nuts, and even some so-called junk foods if that is what is necessary to gain weight

Drinking water will not decrease weight gains assuming you eat enough food. Maybe cut back on plain water and increase cals from beverages, and yes those servings of liquid should be counted towards daily water intake. The idea that everyone needs to drink super high levels of water is erroneous and water requirements can be met through food and other liquids containing water.

thanks,
Coach Hale
www.maxcondition.com