If you are underweight and are looking for high-calorie healthy foods to help you gain weight in a healthy manner, our team here at Essential Health Info has got your back. 

What Exactly Are Calories?

In simplest terms, calories are measurable units of energy. Calories are necessary so that our bodies can function the way they are designed to. 

How Many Calories Should I Be Consuming Per Day?

There are several factors that go into how many calories an individual should be consuming per day, such as your age and how many times you exercise per week, but generally speaking, most adults will need to consume 1,600 and 3,000 calories per day. If you are in a physically demanding field of employment, this can also serve as a factor into how many calories your body requires each day.

If you are consuming too few calories, your heart rate will slow down and your blood pressure will decrease. Those who need to gain weight may make the mistake of  “losing themselves” by binging on high-fat and high-sugar foods. Your doctor or nutritionist should be able to come up with a dietary plan to help you get up to a healthy weight.

On the contrary, some people who are trying to lose weight may think that consuming less than the recommended amount of calories will help them achieve their goal, but this will only backfire. Consuming too many calories will lead to eventual obesity and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some forms of cancer. 

How Do I Know if I Am Consuming Too Little or Too Many Calories?

• You may notice that you are slowly gaining weight over time if you are eating or drinking too many calories.
• If you are generally feeling more fatigued, getting sick more often than you usually do, or experiencing problems with your hair and/or skin, these can be symptoms that you are not consuming enough calories.

How Can I Keep Track of My Calorie Intake?

There are several apps you can download on your phone to help you do just this. If you prefer to do things the old-school way, you can also use a tiny journal to record everything you eat and drink throughout the day. There are even certain journals on the market you can order online that are already formatted for you.

Ingredients for High-Calorie  Healthy Foods to Make 

You can incorporate any of these ingredients in order to make healthy food for dinner.

• Almond butter
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Beans
• Cheese
• Dried fruit
• Red meat, such as beef and pork
• Potatoes
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Milk (regular and soy)
• Oats

You can make an abundance of veggie or fruit salads, add-ons to your soup, and breakfast dishes with these. Pretty simple, right?

Will I Always Need to Count My Calories?

No. There is no need to completely obsess over calories for the remainder of your life. Be sure to incorporate healthy diet and lifestyle choices into your everyday life and you should already be on the right track. Always discuss any concerns you have about calories or changes in weight during your doctor’s appointments.