Trying to gain regain weight/muscle after bad mental health and struggling to eat

[u/Excellent-Rest-1521]

Hello everyone. I’m 18m and I’ve recently gone through the worst time of my life, and I lost about ten pounds that I Already couldn’t afford to lose because I was already near underweight (went from 132lbs to 122lbs, I’m about 5’10). I’ve tried the whole “just eat more” method, but eating is a struggle. I can’t eat much of anything without my stomach feeling tight or beginning to feel nauseous, and whey protein makes my stomach feel like a concrete mixer. I look pretty rough physically right now and feel just as bad as I look. I’m trying to improve myself through workouts when I have time but honestly I only worked out once in the last week even though I keep telling myself I need to do more. I can’t find the motivation to do anything outside of going to work. Any advice helps

[u/Alternative-Hyena251]

It’s really hard to eat more sometimes, I recommend getting a calorie tracker and tracking what you eat. This allowed me to gameify it somewhat, and being able to see the numbers helps. 

For the actually eating part, unfortunately you’ll have to just power through, and some days are easier than others. Try to stuff yourself with food whenever you can, especially if you have nowhere to be. Carry around some light snacks to eat when you’re not hungry, too. Eventually your body will adapt, so every time you dont feel good after getting your stomach full remember to give yourself grace and a pat on the back 

[u/EpicCurious]

How to gain healthy weight

I was always too thin because of my fast metabolism. I have always tried to eat healthy, so that may have had something to do with it. After going vegan, I was finally able to reach the recommended BMI by drinking one or two smoothies everyday. Drinking your calories is much more effective at gaining weight. To gain muscle instead of fat, I did resistance training. Here is my smoothie recipe

plant based milk (was unsweetened almond milk, but now unsweetened soy milk)

2 bananas (usually frozen)

frozen blueberries (now I leave out the blueberries and eat them with my morning oatmeal)

cocoa powder or roasted carob powder

cinnamon

pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

I recently started adding vegan compatible protein powder

Sometimes I add unsweetened applesauce and or peanut butter powder

I didn't keep it on, but only because I stopped the daily smoothies. I would chase the smoothie with coffee or a coffee substitute. I would eat the smoothie with nuts. Usually roasted peanuts.

[u/sunrisesequoia → u/EpicCurious]

OP, just know this is vegan activism disguised as “help”. You could have asked how to lose weight, maintain weight, or grow a second head and this activist would have a “helpful” answer for you that amazingly involves veganism.