18 Best Healthy Foods To Gain Weight Fast

1. Nuts and nut butters

Nuts and nut butters are great sources of healthy fats, proteins, and calories. They’re also an easy and convenient snack. Almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, and nut butters are all great options that are packed with essential nutrients. Nut butters can be spread on toast, fruit, crackers, or eaten by the spoonful. You can also add nuts to oatmeal, salads, yogurt, or smoothies.

2. Cheese and dairy products

Cheese and other dairy products are great sources of protein and healthy fats. They also contain calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. Choose full-fat varieties of cheese, yogurt, and milk. You can also add cheese to sandwiches, salads, and vegetables. Cottage cheese is a great snack, with about 12–15 grams of protein in 1/2 cup (115 grams).

3. Red Meats

Red meats, such as beef, lamb, and pork, are excellent sources of protein and other important nutrients, including iron, B vitamins, and zinc. For example, 1/2 cup (115 grams) of cooked ground beef contains 12 grams of protein and is a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. In addition, red meat contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has numerous health benefits ranging from improved immunity to better blood sugar control.

4. Whole Grains

Whole grains are an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential nutrients. Barley, oats, brown rice, quinoa, millet, and bulgur are all healthy and filling options. They also contain fiber, which helps you feel full and may aid in weight gain. Try adding whole grains to salads, soups, smoothies, or yogurt for an extra boost of nutrition and calories.

5. Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Potatoes and sweet potatoes are high in carbs and calories, making them a great choice for people who want to gain weight. They also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To make them even more nutrient-dense, try topping them with cheese, butter, sour cream, or other healthy toppings. You can also add potatoes and sweet potatoes to salads, soups, and stews.

6. Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils, are high in protein and fiber. These plant-based proteins are also a great source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Legumes are also incredibly versatile and can be added to salads, soups, stews, or even blended into a dip or spread. For an extra boost of calories, you can also add a bit of butter or olive oil to your legumes.

7. Red Fruits and Vegetables

Red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, watermelons, grapes, and bell peppers, are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants. They’re also high in calories and can help you gain weight. Try adding red fruits and vegetables to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or stir-fries for an extra boost of nutrition and calories.

8. Salmon and Other Fatty Fish

Salmon and other fatty fish, such as mackerel and sardines, are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. They’re also rich in important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Try adding fatty fish to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes for an extra boost of protein and calories.

9. Avocados

Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and calories. They’re also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can eat avocados plain or add them to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. You can also mash them into a dip or spread.

10. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also high in calories and is a convenient and portable snack. Choose unsweetened varieties to limit added sugar. You can add dried fruit to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition and calories.

11. Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are a great way to add calories and nutrients to your diet. They’re an easy and convenient snack or meal replacement. Try adding protein powder to smoothies or oatmeal for an extra boost of protein and calories. You can also make a protein shake by blending milk, yogurt, peanut butter, and fruit.

12. Seeds

Seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds, are packed with essential nutrients and healthy fats. They’re also high in calories and are a great snack. You can eat them plain or add them to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies. You can also use them to make seed butter or sprinkle them on top of other dishes.

13. Whole Eggs

Whole eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. They’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. You can eat them boiled, poached, scrambled, or as an omelet. Try adding whole eggs to salads, sandwiches, or omelets for an extra boost of nutrition and calories.

14. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a great source of healthy fats and calories. It’s also packed with antioxidants and is a great snack. Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. You can eat it plain or add it to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt for an extra boost of nutrition and calories.

15. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great source of healthy fats and calories. It’s also packed with essential nutrients and can help you gain weight. You can add coconut oil to smoothies, oatmeal, or other dishes. You can also use it as a cooking oil or spread it on toast.

16. Whole-Grain Breads and Pastas

Whole-grain breads and pastas are a great source of carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential nutrients. They’re also high in calories and can help you gain weight. Try adding whole-grain breads and pastas to salads, soups, or other dishes for an extra boost of nutrition and calories.

17. Trail Mix

Trail mix is a great source of healthy fats, proteins, and calories. It’s also portable and can be eaten as a snack. Choose trail mix that contains nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate for an extra boost of nutrition and calories.

18. Full-Fat Yogurt

Full-fat yogurt is a great source of protein and healthy fats. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. You can eat yogurt plain or add it to smoothies, oatmeal, or salads for an extra boost of nutrition and calories. You can also top it with fruit, nuts, or seeds for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.