In our daily life, we consume various foods, and rarely check their nutritional value. And if you re looking to gain weight you immediately start looking out for fatty foods with high calories. For instance, eathing a lot of cheese is not a good way to gain weight.
The best food to gain weight is incorporatinga balanced diet approach that contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats and more essential nutrients. To gain weight the maths is simple, you need to consume more calories that you burn throughout the day.
Components of High Calorie foods
Understanding the components of high calorie foods is important. Here’s a breakdown of these components:
Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy in our diet, providing around 4 calories per gram. Foods rich in carbohydrates, such as potatoes, rice, pasta, bread and certain processed foods, can contribute to high calorie consumption. It’s essential to be mindful of the types of carbohydrates consumed for overall health.
Proteins also contribute to the overall calorie content, offering around 4 calories per gram. While not as calorie-dense as fats, protein-rich foods such as egg, meats, poultry, fish, and certain dairy products can add to the caloric count. Proteins are crucial in muscle development and repair, making them an important component of a balanced diet. It’s advisable to include lean protein sources for optimal health benefits.
Fats are the most high calorie macronutrient, supplying approximately 9 calories per gram. High-fat foods, especially those containing saturated and trans fats, can significantly increase calorie intake. Examples include fried foods, butter, oils, fatty cuts of meat, and various sweets. While fats are essential for a balanced diet, it’s important to choose healthy sources and consume them in moderation.
11 Healthy High Calorie Foods to Satisfy Your Cravings
Here’s a list of top food items that are known for their high calorie content:
Milk
Dairy milk has long been recognized as a go-to choice for those looking to gain weight or build muscle. This popular beverage offers a well-rounded combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a nutritional powerhouse. In addition to its macronutrient profile, dairy milk is a rich source of calcium, along with various vitamins and minerals.
For individuals focused on muscle building, milk stands out as an excellent surce of protein, providing both Casein and Whey proteins. Research indicates that incorporating cow’s milk or skimmed milk into your diet, especially if you are working out or weightlifting regularly, can contribute to muscle growth. Moreover, studies suggest that milk, or a combination of whey and casein proteins, may lead to greater mass gain compared to other protein sources.
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Rice
Rice proves to be a convenient and affordable carbohydrate source, when it comes to food rich in calories, making it a valuable addition to a weight gain eating plan. One of the advantages of rice is its calorie density, allowing you to acquire a substantial amount of carbs and calories in a single serving. This can be particularly beneficial if you struggle with a lack of appetite or feel full quickly.
Transforming a simple rice dish into a wholesome meal is easy. Experiment with recipes like rice and chicken curry, providing a balanced lunch option with 400 calories per serving.
Potatoes
Potatoes and other complex carbohydrates offer a budget-friendly way to increase calorie intake while providing sustained energy release. Moreover, the glycogen storage boost from these carbohydrates serves as a valuable energy source for various physical activities.
For a tasty and nutritious lunch, consider quinoa and roasted sweet potato bowls, delivering a satisfying 336 calories per serving. Making simple tweaks like adding hummus to whole grain options or using dairy or soy milk in hot grains further elevates calorie content, making complex carbohydrates a versatile and calorie-rich component of a well-rounded diet.
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Dark chocolates
High-quality dark chocolate is not only a delightful treat but also offers a plethora of antioxidants and health benefits. Dark chocolate containing at least 70% cacao, the seed from which chocolate is derived, has been linked to positive effects on health.
When selecting dark chocolate, opt for high-quality options with at least 70% cacao to ensure maximum health benefits.
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Whole grain breads
Whole grain breads are a valuable carbohydrate source that can be incorporated into a weight gain eating plan. Combining whole-grain bread with protein sources like eggs, meat, or cheese allows you to create high calorie and well-balanced meals.
When selecting bread, opt for natural whole grain and seeded varieties to maximize nutritional benefits. Sandwiches prove to be one of the simplest, most versatile, and easily portable meals for increasing your daily calorie intake. To boost the calorie content, consider adding spreads like nut butter or avocado.
Dried fruits
Dried fruit is a nutrient-rich option that delivers high calories, antioxidants, and essential micronutrients. With a variety of types available, dried fruits offer a naturally sweet taste and convenience, making them a versatile addition to your diet. Pairing dried fruits with protein sources like meat cuts, cheese, or a whey protein shake creates a balanced combination.
Notably, dried fruits retain a significant amount of fibre, and their vitamins and minerals remain largely intact through the drying process. Dates, in particular, stand out for their nutritional value, offering fibre and antioxidants. Experimenting with different fillings, such as nut butter or cooked grains, enhances the versatility of dates, making them an easy and high calorie snack. Additionally, incorporating dates into smoothies, sauces, or dressings introduces a delightful touch of sweetness to various dishes.
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits Of Watermelon You Need To Know
Cereals
Cereals serve as an excellent source of carbohydrates, calories, and essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a weight gain eating plan. For instance, oatmeal cooked with whole milk provides about 150 calories in a 1 cup (250 ml) serving, and this can be a nutritious carb source to include in your diet. Adding toppings like nuts, nut butter, dried fruit, chia seeds, flaxseed, berries, homemade granola, maple syrup, or honey can increase calorie content.
When selecting cereals, focus on options like oats, granola, multigrain, bran, and muesli. If feasible, choose varieties with higher fibre content for added nutritional benefits.
Fish
Salmon and other oily fish stand out as excellent sources of protein and crucial fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids offer various health benefits and may be associated with a reduced risk of conditions like heart disease.
Options like smoked salmon or raw salmon in sushi and sashimi offer additional versatility. While fresh or frozen salmon might come with a slightly higher price, canned salmon is a convenient and cost-effective choice.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter, derived from roasted peanuts, is a versatile and popular food spread known for its creamy or chunky texture. Beyond serving as a delightful topping for bread and crackers, peanut butter is a versatile ingredient incorporated into desserts, smoothies, and savoury dishes, offering a rich, nutty flavour that transcends various cuisines globally.
In addition to its delicious taste, peanut butter provides notable health benefits. It serves as a valuable source of plant-based protein, crucial for tissue construction and repair. Furthermore, the fats present in peanut butter are predominantly heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, offering a moderation-friendly option that may contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease when consumed mindfully.
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Pasta and other wheat products
Pasta and wheat products, longstanding staples in the diets of diverse cultures worldwide, are derived from the cereal grain wheat. These traditional foods not only boast a rich history but also serve as excellent sources of calories, carbohydrates, and various essential nutrients, making them a notable inclusion in the list of high calorie foods for those looking to gain weight.
In terms of health benefits, pasta is a significant source of carbohydrates, primarily in the form of starch. Carbohydrates play a crucial role as the body’s primary energy source and are essential for optimal brain function. While pasta contains a modest amount of protein, supporting muscle repair, it is notable that whole wheat pasta, in particular, offers higher dietary fibre content. This fibre contributes to improved digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and assists in regulating blood sugar levels.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae, have been cultivated for centuries and are widely enjoyed globally for their savoury taste and nutritional value. As one of the high calorie foods on the list, chickpeas are a nutritious option for those aiming to gain weight.
In terms of health benefits, chickpeas serve as a robust plant-based protein source, making them particularly valuable for vegetarians and vegans. Protein, essential for tissue development, repair, immune function, and overall health, is abundant in chickpeas. Additionally, these legumes are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, supporting digestion, and blood sugar regulation, and creating a sense of fullness that can aid in weight management.
Also Read: Brown Rice Benefits: The Nutritional Powerhouse
Conclusion
High calorie foods, packed with nutrients and energy, serve a range of purposes. From supporting weight gain and muscle building to providing essential nutrition for recovery from illnesses, these foods cater to diverse dietary needs. Athletes benefit from their nutritional density to fuel rigorous training, while those with specific health conditions find the necessary sustenance in these options.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information.
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