Diet Chart for Weight Gain in 7 days

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Looking for the ultimate diet chart for weight gain to hit your ideal weight in 2025? You’re not alone! While most people are focused on weight loss, there’s a whole group of people who struggle with healthy weight gain.

Gaining weight can seem impossible if you have a fast metabolism or struggle to be in a caloric surplus. But don’t worry. With the right strategy, a nutrient-dense meal plan, and consistent habits, you can break through. You can get there.

Many normal-weight individuals develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues commonly linked to obesity. So a healthy diet and lifestyle is important regardless of your weight.

If you are trying to gain weight it’s important to focus on nutrient-dense foods or follow a balanced gaining diet. For gradual weight gain aim to eat 300-500 calories more than you burn daily as calculated by a calorie calculator. For faster weight gain aim to eat 700-1000 calories above your maintenance level. Remember calorie calculators are only estimates.

Did you know being underweight can lead to weakened immunity, fatigue, and even muscle loss? By following a structured approach you’ll not only gain weight but also build lean muscle mass and overall health.

This guide covers the essentials of weight gain. It explores understanding calories and macronutrients. It also looks at the best foods for quick weight gain.

Let’s explore how you can gain weight sustainably and healthily. We will provide a detailed weight gain diet plan, along with practical tips and expert advice.

How We Create Meal Plans

Our meal plans are designed by incorporating scientific principles of nutrition, ensuring they are realistic, effective, and easy to follow. Each meal plan provides an optimal balance of macronutrients and emphasizes whole, nutrient-rich foods.

How Many Calories Do You Need to Gain Weight?

This meal plan is at 2,500 calories. It can be adjusted to suit parameters of 2,000 or 3,000 calories per day as is proper. The FDA considers 2000 calories the standard option for general dietary advice. Most people cannot achieve this considering the challenge of avoiding weight gain.

It should be clear that many factors will affect the caloric requirement to include those of current weight, height, age, gender, and activity level. Start by estimating your resting metabolic rate (RMR), the number of calories you require at rest to maintain basic functions. After determining your RMR, make adjustments for activity level and additional caloric taste to support a steady and healthy weight increase.

Step 1: Calculate Your Resting Metabolic Rate

Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the calories your body needs to maintain essential functions at rest. You can use an online calculator or the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation to estimate your RMR:

Men: RMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) – 5 × age (years) + 5

Women: RMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) – 5 × age (years) – 161

Step 2: Factor in Your Activity Level

Multiply your RMR by an activity factor to account for physical activity:

  • Sedentary: RMR × 1.2
  • Lightly active: RMR × 1.375
  • Moderately active: RMR × 1.55
  • Very active: RMR × 1.725

Step 3: Add More Calories for Weight Gain

To gain weight, add 250-500 calories per day to your total. This gradual approach minimizes fat gain while promoting muscle development.

Healthy Foods to Eat More of to Gain Weight

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide ample energy and support overall health:

  • Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, lentils, and Greek yogurt.
  • Carbohydrates: Whole grains, oats, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and fruits.
  • Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and full-fat dairy.
  • Calorie-Dense Snacks: Trail mix, nut butter, smoothies, and protein bars.

Diet Plan for Weight Gain

This meal plan offers balanced, nutrient-rich meals to help you mass gain weight effectively.

How to Meal-Prep for Your Week of Meals

  • Plan your meals and snacks.
  • Cook large batches of grains, proteins, and vegetables for the week.
  • Use storage containers to portion meals for grab-and-go convenience.

7-Day Weight Gain Diet Plan

DayMealTimeMenu
SundayBreakfast8:00-8:30 AM2 egg brown bread sandwich + green chutney + 1 cup milk + 3 cashews + 4 almonds + 2 walnuts
Mid-Meal11:00-11:30 AM1 cup banana shake
Lunch2:00-2:30 PM1 cup arhar dal + 1 cup potato curry + 3 chapatti + 1/2 cup rice + 1/2 cup low-fat curd + salad
Evening4:00-4:30 PM1 cup strawberry smoothie + 1 cup vegetable poha
Dinner8:00-8:30 PM1.5 cup chicken curry + 3 chapatti + salad
MondayBreakfast8:00-8:30 AM3 onion stuffed parantha + 1 cup curd + 3 cashews + 4 almonds + 2 walnuts
Mid-Meal11:00-11:30 AM1 cup mango shake
Lunch2:00-2:30 PM1 cup moong dal/chicken curry + 1 cup potato and cauliflower vegetable + 3 chapatti + 1/2 cup rice + salad
Evening4:00-4:30 PM1 cup pomegranate juice + 2 butter-toasted bread
Dinner8:00-8:30 PM1 cup beans potato vegetable + 3 chapatti + salad
TuesdayBreakfast8:00-8:30 AM3 paneer stuffed besan cheela + green chutney + 1 cup curd + 3 cashews + 4 almonds + 2 walnuts
Mid-Meal11:00-11:30 AM1 apple smoothie with maple syrup
Lunch2:00-2:30 PM1 cup masoor dal + 1 cup colocasia + 3 chapatti + 1/2 cup rice + 1 cup low-fat curd + salad
Evening4:00-4:30 PM1 cup tomato soup with bread crumbs + 1 cup aloo chaat
Dinner8:00-8:30 PM1 cup carrot peas vegetable + 3 chapatti + salad
WednesdayBreakfast8:00-8:30 AM1.5 cup vegetable bread upma + 1 cup milk + 3 cashews + 4 almonds + 2 walnuts
Mid-Meal11:00-11:30 AM1 cup ripe banana with 2 tsp ghee
Lunch2:00-2:30 PM1 cup rajma curry + 1 cup spinach potato + 3 chapatti + 1/2 cup rice + salad
Evening4:00-4:30 PM1 cup vegetable juice + 1 cup upma
Dinner8:00-8:30 PM1.5 cup parwal vegetable + 3 chapatti + salad
ThursdayBreakfast8:00-8:30 AM2 cucumber potato sandwich + 1 tsp green chutney + 1 orange juice + 3 cashews + 2 walnuts + 4 almonds
Mid-Meal11:00-11:30 AM1 cup buttermilk + 1 cup sweet potato chaat
Lunch2:00-2:30 PM1 cup white chana/fish curry + 3 chapatti + 1/2 cup rice + salad
Evening4:00-4:30 PM1 cup almond milk + banana
Dinner8:00-8:30 PM1 cup cauliflower potato vegetable + 3 chapatti + salad
FridayBreakfast8:00-8:30 AM2 cup vegetable poha + 1 cup curd + 3 cashews + 4 almonds + 2 walnuts
Mid-Meal11:00-11:30 AM2 cups watermelon juice
Lunch2:00-2:30 PM1 cup chana dal + 1 cup bhindi vegetable + 3 chapatti + 1/2 cup rice + salad
Evening4:00-4:30 PM1 cup sprouts salad + 2 potato cheela + green chutney
Dinner8:00-8:30 PM1 cup peas mushroom vegetable + 3 chapatti + salad
SaturdayBreakfast8:00-8:30 AM3 vegetable suji cheela + 1 cup strawberry shake + 4 cashews + 4 almonds + 3 walnuts
Mid-Meal11:00-11:30 AM1 cup coconut water + 1 cup pomegranate
Lunch2:00-2:30 PM1 cup mixed dal + 1 cup soybean curry + 3 chapatti + 1/2 cup curd + salad
Evening4:00-4:30 PM1 cup fruit salad + 4 pc vegetable cutlets + green chutney
Dinner8:00-8:30 PM1 cup karela vegetable + 3 chapatti + salad

Diet Chart for Weight Gain: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

  1. Eat more often
  2. Drink milk
  3. Try weight-gain shakes
  4. Use bigger plates
  5. Add cream to your coffee
  6. Take creatine
  7. Get quality sleep
  8. Eat your protein first and vegetables last

Don’t’s

  1. Drink water before meals
  2. Smoke

Food Items You Can Easily Consume in a Diet Plan for Weight Gain

  • Nuts and nut butter.
  • Full-fat dairy products.
  • Whole grains like oats, rice, and quinoa.
  • High-calorie fruits like bananas, mangoes, and avocados.
  • Protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, and lentils.

Foods That Promote Healthy Weight Gain

High-calorie, Nutrient-Dense Food Options

  • Avocados: Rich in healthy fats and calories.
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds provide energy and essential nutrients.
  • Dairy products: Whole milk, cheese, and Greek yogurt are excellent sources of protein and fat.

Protein-Rich Foods for Muscle Gain

  • Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, and beef.
  • Fish: Salmon and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
  • Plant-based options: Lentils, chickpeas, and tofu are great for vegetarians.

Carb Sources to Fuel Your Weight Gain Journey

  • Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, and quinoa.
  • Starchy vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash.
  • Fruits: Bananas, mangoes, and dried fruits like dates and raisins.

Extra Tips to Gain Weight

Tracking Progress

  • Use apps or journals to track your calories and weight gain.
  • Adjust your diet based on weekly or monthly checks.

Staying Motivated and Overcoming Plateaus

  • Celebrate small wins, like gaining a few pounds or getting stronger.
  • Change up your meal plan and workouts.

Supplements

  • Protein powders: Easy way to add extra protein to your day.
  • Mass gainers: For those struggling to hit calorie goals.
  • Creatine: Supports muscle growth and strength training.

FAQs About Diet for Weight Gain

What is the Best Time to Eat for Weight Gain?

Spread meals evenly throughout the day, with an emphasis on breakfast and post-workout meals.

Can I Gain Weight Without Exercise?

Yes, but exercise, especially strength training, ensures the weight gained is lean muscle rather than fat.

How Can a Female Gain Weight?

Women can gain weight by eating more, doing strength training, and eating nutrient-dense foods. Hormones may play a role so see a doctor if needed.

How to Gain Weight in a Month?

Focus on eating calorie-dense foods, increasing portion sizes, and engaging in regular strength training to achieve healthy and sustainable weight gain.

What are the signs of weight gain?

Signs include tighter clothing, increased appetite, reduced energy levels, decreased physical activity, and noticeable changes in body shape.

What foods to eat to gain weight?

Incorporate calorie-dense options like nuts, avocados, cheese, fatty meats, and protein-rich foods such as eggs and beans.

What milk is best for weight gain?

Whole milk is ideal because it has more calories and fat than skim or low-fat milk, making it beneficial for weight gain.

Which fruit is good for weight gain?

Bananas are excellent for healthy weight gain due to their high-calorie content and their role in aiding digestion.

Which protein is best for weight gain?

While no single protein is best, consuming adequate calories and incorporating resistance training are crucial factors for weight gain.

Does drinking milk at night increase weight?

Drinking milk at night can contribute to weight gain if it leads to an overall calorie surplus in your daily intake.

Which vegetables are high in protein for weight gain?

Vegetables like peas, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus are protein-rich and can support weight gain as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Weight gain is a journey that takes time, strategy, and consistency. Follow this diet chart for weight gain and add nutrient-dense foods, strategic meal timing, and strength training and you’ll get there while building a healthier stronger version of yourself. Track your progress, stay motivated, and adjust as needed.

By following these mass gaining strategies and our free weight gain nutrition guide you’re setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re using our clean bulk meal plan or creating your own bulking diet basics remember progress takes time.

Start with our weight gain foods list, cook with our bulk recipes, and track your progress. With our high-calorie food list and nutrition timing guide, you’ll be gaining weight in no time!

Ready to start? Begin with small changes, increase your portions as you go with our meal frequency guide, and stick to your mass-building diet. Consult with a doctor before making any major changes to your diet or starting any new weight gain supplements.

Here’s to your weight gain! Remember every meal is an opportunity to get closer to your goals. Start now and see the results add up.

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Dr. Deep Dev Dutt

Dr. Deep Dev Dutt is a dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in internal medicine, cardiology, and public health. Holding a medical degree, MBBS, MD from Macomb Community College, Dr. Dutt has been committed to providing high-quality patient care and advancing medical research. With a passion for specific interests, preventive medicine, patient education, and healthcare innovation, he has contributed to numerous clinical studies and medical publications.

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