Gaining weight in a healthy way can be just as challenging as losing it. If you’re looking to add some pounds without sacrificing nutrition, you’ve come to the right place!
These recipes pack a powerful punch of calories and nutrients to help you reach your weight gain goals while keeping your body happy.
1. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bowl
Morning magic in a bowl! Mix rolled oats with whole milk, sliced bananas, and two heaping spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle honey on top. This breakfast powerhouse delivers protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to kickstart your day.
2. Avocado Chocolate Smoothie
Sneaky calories never tasted so good! Blend one ripe avocado with banana, cocoa powder, whole milk, and a scoop of protein powder.
The avocado adds creamy texture and healthy fats you can’t even taste. Great for post-workout recovery or a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
3. Loaded Sweet Potato
Bake a large sweet potato until soft and fluffy inside. Split it open and stuff with black beans, corn, cheese, and diced chicken breast.
Top with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. This colorful creation offers complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats in one delicious package.
4. Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl
Cook quinoa in chicken broth for extra flavor. Mix with roasted chickpeas, olives, feta cheese, and drizzle with olive oil.
Add grilled chicken or salmon for extra protein punch. The combination of whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein makes this bowl perfect for muscle-building lunch options.
5. Almond Butter Energy Balls
No-bake treats that pack a caloric punch! Mix almond butter, oats, honey, dark chocolate chips, and ground flaxseed.
Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate. Pop two or three between meals for an easy 300+ calorie snack. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
6. Salmon Avocado Rice Bowl
Protein meets healthy fats in this filling dish! Pan-sear salmon with a sweet soy glaze and serve over brown rice.
Top with sliced avocado, edamame, and sesame seeds. The combination delivers omega-3s, complete protein, and fiber-rich carbs to support your weight gain journey.
7. Protein-Packed Pancakes
Breakfast champions love these! Blend cottage cheese, oats, eggs, banana, and a scoop of protein powder.
Cook like regular pancakes and stack high. Each serving delivers roughly 30 grams of protein!
8. Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
Calorie-dense Asian inspiration! Stir-fry chicken breast with colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and a handful of cashews.
The secret is the sauce – mix soy sauce, honey, and peanut butter for extra calories. Serve over a large portion of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
9. Creamy Pasta with Pesto and Chicken
Carb loading made delicious! Cook your favorite pasta and toss with homemade pesto, heavy cream, and grilled chicken.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts for extra flavor and calories. One bowl packs nearly 800 calories of muscle-building goodness.
10. Homemade Trail Mix
Snacking made simple! Mix almonds, walnuts, cashews, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chunks, and coconut flakes.
Store in small containers for on-the-go energy. Just half a cup delivers around 400 calories of nutrient-dense fuel.
11. Greek Yogurt Berry Parfait
Layer full-fat Greek yogurt with granola, mixed berries, and a generous drizzle of honey. Add a scoop of protein powder for extra nutrition.
The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbs makes this parfait perfect for breakfast or a substantial snack.
12. Beef And Bean Burrito Bowl
Tex-Mex flavor explosion! Brown ground beef with taco seasoning and layer over rice with black beans and corn.
Add avocado slices, cheese, and sour cream for healthy fats. This hearty bowl delivers protein, complex carbs, and enough calories to support your weight gain goals.
13. Tuna Melt Stuffed Potatoes
Bake large russet potatoes until tender. Scoop out the flesh and mix with tuna, mayo, cheese, and diced vegetables.
Stuff the mixture back into the potato skins and bake until golden. Each potato delivers complete protein, complex carbs, and enough calories to fuel your day.
14. Overnight Chocolate Chia Pudding
Mix chia seeds with chocolate protein powder, whole milk, and a splash of maple syrup. Let it thicken overnight in the fridge.
Top with banana slices, nut butter, and granola before eating. This make-ahead breakfast packs protein, omega-3s, and fiber into one delicious package.
15. Creamy Lentil Curry
Simmer red lentils with coconut milk, curry paste, and diced vegetables until thick and creamy. Stir in spinach at the end.
Serve over a generous portion of rice. Plant-based protein never tasted so good! The combination of lentils and coconut milk creates a calorie-dense meal perfect for vegans looking to gain weight.
16. Savory Oatmeal With Egg
Cook steel-cut oats in chicken broth instead of water. Top with a fried egg, avocado slices, and grated cheese.
Add hot sauce for a kick! This savory twist on breakfast oats delivers complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats in one bowl. Good option for those tired of sweet breakfast options.
17. Homemade Mass Gainer Shake
Blend banana, peanut butter, oats, protein powder, whole milk, and a scoop of ice cream. Add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra calories.
This shake packs over 800 calories in one glass! Perfect for hard gainers who struggle to eat enough solid food throughout the day.
18. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and fill with a mixture of ground turkey, rice, black beans, corn, and cheese. Bake until peppers are tender.
These colorful packages contain the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fats for healthy weight gain. Leftovers reheat beautifully!