Vegetarian Foods High in Calories for Weight Gain

Many people are looking to reduce their meat consumption for health or ethical reasons. However, a recent inquiry from one individual highlights an important consideration: gaining a few pounds under a doctor's guidance. This article explores healthy vegetarian foods that are both nutritious and high in calories, suitable for those looking to increase their weight in a healthy manner.

Introduction

Whether you're transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, it's crucial to ensure that your food choices are nutritious and contribute to your overall health. If your doctor has advised you to gain weight, it's important to focus on foods that are high in calories without sacrificing nutrition.

Healthy, High-Calorie Vegetarian Recipes

The first step towards gaining weight in a healthy way is to focus on calorie-dense foods that are also rich in nutrients. Here are some vegetarian recipes that are both nutritious and high in calories.

Whole Wheat Organic Pasta with Olive Oil and Vegetables

A delicious and calorie-dense dish that is packed with vegetables and whole grain pasta:

8 ounces whole wheat organic pasta 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium zucchini, diced 1 medium eggplant, diced 2 bell peppers (any color), diced 1 large onion, diced 1 bunch of fresh basil, chopped Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened. Pour in the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Add the chopped basil and toss to coat the pasta with the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Healthy Vegan Dishes with High Calorie Ingredients

Another resource you might find useful is the "How Not to Die Cookbook" by Dr. Michael Greger. This book offers numerous healthy and nutritious vegan dishes that require only a few changes to increase calorie density. Some specific ingredients to look for include:

Nuts and nut butters Avocados Quinoa Tahini Olive oil Dried fruit Legumes Sweet potatoes

Incorporating these foods into your meals can help you increase your calorie intake without compromising on nutrition.

Additional Tips for Weight Gain

While focusing on the right foods is important, there are also other strategies you can use to gain weight:

Chin Lock Exercise

Finding a way to increase your calorie intake might involve simple exercises or techniques. For example, the chin lock exercise, a movement reminiscent of a nod, is said to massage the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which can impact body weight. This exercise can be done as part of your daily routine or as a specific part of your workout regimen.

Place your hands behind your neck and form a chin lock. Gently tug on your neck to keep your chin in place. Maintain this position for 1-2 minutes, allowing the movement to replicate a yes gesture with your head.

Regular practice of this exercise can potentially play a small role in your weight management strategy, complementing a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a vegetarian or even vegan lifestyle can be a positive change for your health. However, it's important to ensure that your diet supports your overall health goals, especially if you have specific weight gain requirements. By focusing on high-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetarian and vegan foods and incorporating simple exercises like the chin lock, you can achieve your weight gain goals in a healthy and sustainable manner.