Health & Fitness

Johnny Winchester

Specialist III

What is the best way to pack on a few healthy pounds this winter?

December 12, 2011 12:16 PM PST · Flag · 5 answers

I'm all skin and bones and want to bulk up a little! Is there any product that can help me do this in a healthy way?

Sean Hill

Professional I

CytoSport Muscle Milk, Chocolate, 2.47 Pound

Nature's Ultimate Lean Muscle Protein read more...

Muscle Milk is a great way to add on a few pounds. I wouldn't say it's particularly healthy, but it's not overly bad for you either. I have been drinking it for about a month and have definitely noticed a little bulk happening! I am similar to you, man.... very thin and in need of some bulk, especially when it starts to get cold.
I try to work out, too, because of course that is a big factor in adding muscle. I wouldn't recommend just trying to 'fatten up', you know? Definitely include some sort of work out routine. I use 'Perfect Push Ups'... those spinning push up enhancers. They make for an excellent work out. Cheap and effective, plus you can work a lot of different muscle groups with them. You won't be restricted to normal pushups.
Try to take in a lot of protein and a lot of calories. I would say a lot of physical activity as well as a lot of calories will help!
Muscle milk tastes okay at best.... so don't expect the best flavor in the world, but all protein supplements are similarly not tasty!
Good luck and stay warm!

✔ Highest voted answer

Reply · Send thanks · posted 160 days ago · 4 people agree

1 points posted by Jerry Nans

This looks like a good plan. Eat a lot of food! More than you think you should!
That's what we did in high school football. They wanted us big so I was eating like 5 or 6 meals a day. Big breakfast with 2 or 3 eggs, lots of protein shakes, big dinner. And of course stay active, like Sean said.

1 points posted by Kristin Walden

Eat eat eat! Lift lift lift! That's the only way!

1 points posted by Daren Vick

Muscle Milk is one of my favorites and while I'm all for the occasional nutrition shake, you'll need a lot more to actually bulk. You'll need to eat more calories per day (in the range of 500 or so) and do so in a healthy manner such as eating lean meats, low fat dairy, fruits and veggies, whole grains, etc. It's easier to accomplish more calories if you break your meals up throughout the day and fit in 4-6 smaller meals. The build itself will come faster if you exercises that use more than one range of motion. The extra motions max out your muscle fibers and helps you gain muscle faster. Types of exercises that are good for that are bench press, shoulder press, deadlifts, squats, etc. A shake after a workout is good for recovery too. If it's bulk you want, steer away from too much cardio and obviously get lots of rest.

1 points posted by Michael Stone

I agree with you. The sports drinks and protein shakes definitely help but there is so much more that goes into putting on weight and muscle than just that. I won't elaborate too much more than that because I think you pretty much said it all. Just take in a lot of calories of all the good foods and make sure to eat a good portion of everything with each meal. Weight lifting is a biggy and definitely pair down your cardio. Good advice.

1 points posted by Destinee Rice

Absolutely.... it's like a whole lifestyle change rather than just adding or subtracting something from your diet.

Steve Yalikulem

Specialist III

Bodybuilding.com - How To Bulk Up Fast - Without Getting Fat!

This is an excellent article that I read a couple years ago that really helped me add a bunch of healthy calories to my day. Weight gain shakes are okay but they have a lot of unnecessary sugar and sometimes are made with low quality protein. This article will give you some great ideas for healthy shakes that you can make yourself to add 1000 or more calories a day to your diet. They taste good, too! Surprisingly enough. Like everyone said, you gotta have a work out routine, too, or the calories will be converted to fat! I am assuming you would like to gain muscle rather than fat :-)

Reply · Send thanks · posted 159 days ago · 3 people agree

1 points posted by Sean Hill

Interesting article. Lots of good stuff in there...thanks

Lindsay Stidham

Professional I

I would say it is most about dietary balance. If you consume too much protein without combining it exercise it can actually prohibit muscle building. So if you can do at least 30 mins a day if you are going to significantly up protein, that is a safe bet. Additionally, don't cut out the carbs and sugars. Carbs and sugars are good in moderation and will also help in the muscle-building process. Good luck!

Reply · Send thanks · posted 159 days ago · 2 people agree

1 points posted by Cassandra Valentino

Sound advice. Balance is so important in life. I'm a Libra though, so I have to say that!

Richard Edwards

Professional III

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Chocolate, 12 Pound

Dietary Supplement. 3,750 Calorie Weight Gain based on 3 servings per day. 50 grams of High Quality Protein; Glutamine & Creatine enhanced; Complete Vitamin/Mineral Formula. No sugar added (Not a low sugar product)! Naturally and artificially flav... read more...

I've heard good things about this stuff. I guess it's a cost effective way to add some serious protein and calories to your diet. It's also a decently healthy option...not too much sugar or other crap that you really don't need. Look into it.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 159 days ago · 2 people agree

Ryan Jameson

Professional I

BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder, Chocolate Milkshake, 2.91 Pound

This Dietary supplement is designed for any individual who wants an ultra-premium protein powder to help them reach their nutritional and physique goals. Helps improve nutrition, definition, lean muscle, and weight management. Contains no aspartam... read more...

My brother uses this stuff, as do lots of guys I know. It will definitely help you put on some muscle mass (assuming you are lifting pretty hard) and it's one of the better tasting supplements I have tasted. I'm not super into bulking, but I have tasted a few different varieties and this brand definitely has the flavor thing down.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 159 days ago

Voting Summary

1.	CytoSport Muscle Milk, Chocolate, 2.47 Pound	38% agree
2.	Bodybuilding.com - How To Bulk Up Fast - Withou...	30% agree
3.	Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Chocolate, 12 P...	23% agree
4.	BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder, Chocolate Milkshak...	7% agree