Whether you are on a strictly plant-based diet or you need to increase your intake of vegetables in general, there are plenty of high calorie healthy foods that you can rely on to help you gain the weight you need. You can use many different vegetables to make healthy food for dinner each night. Enjoy!
Avocados
You honestly can never go wrong with avocados. There are a wide variety of healthy foods to make using them. From avocado rolls to burritos to salads, you can implement them in many of your favorite dishes.
Dried fruits
These make great go-to snacks when you are out and about. Try putting them on your (dairy-free) yogurt for a super yummy parfait recipe.
Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Grab a bowl of peanuts or put peanut butter on your toast. Maybe even dip a banana in some peanut butter! Just be aware that some peanut brands contain gelatin, which is derived from animal bones (typically cows and pigs).
Rice
Rice is great because you can have it plain in a traditional Chinese or Japanese style or have it with your burrito – either inside or on the side.
Sweet Potatoes
If you like loaded regular baked potatoes, there’s no rule saying you can’t do the same with sweet potatoes! Cut it open and throw in some dairy-free sour cream, dairy-free butter, chives, faux bacon, or just about whatever floats your boat. You may also want to try sweet potato fries!
Olive Oil
Sprinkle some olive oil in your sandwich or in your salad for some delicious additional calories.
Smoothies
Go ahead and blend some of your favorite ingredients into a delicious smoothie in the comfort of your own home. You can use soy milk and all of your favorite fresh fruits and veggies. While you can also get plant-based smoothies from popular chains such as Jamba Juice, some of these are high in sugar content though, so be sure to be on the lookout for that.
How exactly do I know if I am underweight?
If your body mass index (BMI) is less than 18.5, then you are underweight. However, a healthy weight varies from individual to individual based on one’s sex, age, and height. Not having enough body mass can come with several consequences, such as frequent illness, fatigue, and irregular menstrual periods for women. While pop culture media outlets may put a strong emphasis on being thin, there is indeed such a thing as being too skinny. Your physical well-being always comes before whatever the latest trends may tell you.
Coming up with the right healthy weight gain plan
If you suspect you may be underweight and you are currently on a plant-based diet, be sure to discuss a detailed plan with your doctor to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need to keep your body functioning the way it should be through high calorie healthy foods. It is also important to disclose other factors that may be influencing your weight, including other pre-existing medical conditions, exercise and sleeping habits, stress, or even your field of work.
