What is the ideal protein-rich diet for gaining weight and building muscle?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My friend is 25 years old. He looks very lean. Can consuming excess proteins help him gain weight and muscle mass? What is the recommended daily intake of protein? What are the common sources of protein, and are there any specific reasons for choosing those items in our diet other than their protein content?

Kindly help.

Answered by Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara

Education:

Diploma in Dieticians and Applied Sciences

Professional Bio:

Miss Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara is an experienced Dietitian and Fitness Specialist with eleven years of clinical experience. She holds a Diplomate in Dietetics and Applied Sciences from The University of Mumbai. Currently, she practices at Bhanushali Clinic, a well-known healthcare facility located in Pune, Maharashtra. Miss Bhanushali specializes in providing personalized diet plans tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs and medical conditions of her patients. With her expertise in dietetics and applied sciences, she offers valuable guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being through proper nutrition and fitness. Her diet charts are designed to ensure that patients receive the necessary nutrients while taking into account their specific dietary requirements and health goals. Miss Bhanushali is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal health through balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Thanks for trusting us with your health care.

Due to a genetically high metabolism, there is difficulty in gaining weight. Kindly follow these guidelines:

  1. Increase food quantities gradually.
  2. Eat more frequently, with intervals of 1.5 to 2 hours between meals.
  3. Make every snack more nutrient-dense by including nuts, dried fruits, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
  4. Make every drink count by including milkshakes, freshly prepared thick fruit juices, smoothies, and thick sweetened buttermilk.
  5. Avoid eating anything plain.
  6. Include healthy unsaturated fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, and avocados as toppings or extras.
  7. Include protein sources in every meal, such as chicken, fish, egg whites, low-fat milk and dairy products, soy, and pulses.
  8. Aim for 1.5 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
  9. Consume lean protein with every meal.
  10. Consume unprocessed carbs except post-workout.
  11. Include good fats with every meal.
  12. Eat fruits and vegetables every day, especially around workout time.
  13. Muscle growth occurs when adequate nutrients (carbohydrates and protein) are supplied, so combinations like dal and pulses are best.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 14, 2024
Reviewed At July 2, 2024

Education:

Diploma in Dieticians and Applied Sciences

Professional Bio:

Miss Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara is an experienced Dietitian and Fitness Specialist with eleven years of clinical experience. She holds a Diplomate in Dietetics and Applied Sciences from The University of Mumbai. Currently, she practices at Bhanushali Clinic, a well-known healthcare facility located in Pune, Maharashtra. Miss Bhanushali specializes in providing personalized diet plans tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs and medical conditions of her patients. With her expertise in dietetics and applied sciences, she offers valuable guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being through proper nutrition and fitness. Her diet charts are designed to ensure that patients receive the necessary nutrients while taking into account their specific dietary requirements and health goals. Miss Bhanushali is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal health through balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

Diploma in Dieticians and Applied Sciences

Professional Bio:

Miss Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara is an experienced Dietitian and Fitness Specialist with eleven years of clinical experience. She holds a Diplomate in Dietetics and Applied Sciences from The University of Mumbai. Currently, she practices at Bhanushali Clinic, a well-known healthcare facility located in Pune, Maharashtra. Miss Bhanushali specializes in providing personalized diet plans tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs and medical conditions of her patients. With her expertise in dietetics and applied sciences, she offers valuable guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being through proper nutrition and fitness. Her diet charts are designed to ensure that patients receive the necessary nutrients while taking into account their specific dietary requirements and health goals. Miss Bhanushali is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal health through balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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