High metabolism 5'6 103lbs.

1. 57

   Starr Wilkinsonposted 10 years ago

   High metabolism 5'6 103lbs.
   
   I have a very high metabolism i.e. like a horse and I cannot gain weight any suggestions on how much protein intake and carb intake I should eat daily and is there specific foods that will help that wait on me

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2. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 10 years ago

   It may help to have a check up to make sure your thyroid is in healthy condition.  Considering it is healthy and not over producing (which can increase your metabolism), you can make sure you're eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day.  Extra carbs won't do it alone if you're not eating a balanced diet including all of the food groups.  You should eat from 3-5 food groups at each meal including a lean protein, whole grain, fruit, veggie, dairy or healthy fat.  At snack time, eat from 2-3 food groups, like an apple with peanut butter or hummus and crackers or veggies.  Exercise helps to regulate the body and simple weight training can help build muscle.  If you're not consuming adequate carbs and healthy fats, protein intake is being used for energy rather than muscle formation. I've also read that you can increase a food serving, i.e., two slices of whole grain toast instead of one.  The key is making sure you're eating from all food groups at each meal. It might help to keep a food diary for a week to see exactly what and how much you're eating.   Good luck!  Hope this helps.

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3. 84

   wychicposted 10 years ago

   My first reaction is to make absolutely sure there are no other health issues. I had a friend who had been underweight since her teen years; doctors just brushed it off and said she was anorexic and needed to eat more, even though she knew that wasn't the case. Finally, after she almost lost her first baby when she was 22, the doctors did a closer check. They discovered a heart defect that's usually found and fixed in infancy, but they'd missed it. She went into surgery for a grand total of three stitches in her heart. Since then, she's gained 30 pounds, has a LOT more energy, and has been overall quite healthy. She's 27 now, and you'd never recognize the same person.
   
   That said -- the best suggestion I've found for gaining weight is to a) eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Then b) find a type of protein powder you like that's specifically formulated for body builders. These usually have a good balance of nutrients, muscle-building proteins and carbs. Mix it with bananas and full-fat ice cream, and add it to your daily diet. Finally, c) if you haven't yet, adopt a daily exercise regimen that works strength, cardio and flexibility/balance and stick to it. Today's world seems to think that exercise is only for the overweight, and that's a horrible misconception.
   
   Note that my information comes from my own experience, as well as my husband's suggestions based on his 6 1/2 years as a corpsman and 27 years in civilian medicine. Every person is different, so the very best information will come from your own doctor and a nutritionist. A trained professional is the only person who can make exact intake recommendations.

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4. 58

   Anxiousposted 10 years ago

   I would suggest a thyroid test, I have hyperthyroid and am the same height as you with a similar weight issue. The amount of muscle you have in your body composition could make a difference as well.
   
   My suggestion is to up your calories, go to a nutritionist and work to figure out how much energy you may be burning so that you may keep your calories in/out in a reasonable ratio. Even weight training can help to add weight - that is what is usually suggested over gaining only fat.
   
   Another thing is that your body could be at its "set point" bodies have a sweet spot that they will defend. Most are higher than yours are, but you're certainly not unusual.
   
   If you are healthy (all your stuff is in balance, bones are okay, heart and blood pressure are okay, etc) then you can probably take a deep breath of relief.

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5. 93

   mikejhcaposted 9 years ago

   You could have a medical condition. However I had a similar problem and I fixed it by changing the way I exercise. I focused on improving my strength and endurance. My body adapted by building muscle and I gained 25 pounds. Give your body a reason to be heavier and see if that works.
   
   By improving I mean you exceed your limits so you can do things you could not do before. Doing the same routine over and over again does not work. The first thing I did that worked was to bike a little farther or faster every time I went for my weekly bike ride.

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