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Ask the Expert
May 31, 2003
Question:
I am trying to gain weight. Would The No-Grain Diet be beneficial to me?
Answer:
The No-Grain Diet is not just for weight loss--it is a program designed to help you achieve optimum health. So, if you are underweight and trying to gain weight or are trying to maintain your current weight, The No-Grain Diet will be beneficial.
While it’s true that cutting grains and sugar from the diet will almost guarantee weight loss, the calories that they were contributing were not benefiting your health. The key is to replace the grains and sugar with other forms of nutritious energy sources, such as protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates from vegetables.
Metabolic Typing is a key way to help you determine what ratio of protein, fat and carbs is best for you. Some people will achieve their optimum weight by eating mostly protein while others need to eat mostly complex carbs.
Generally speaking, if you are trying to gain weight a few raw nuts provide a dense source of calories. Walnuts are the best option here, as they will not distort your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Be careful with nuts, however, as some people find them difficult to digest.
Depending on your Metabolic Type, raw milk, raw cream or raw milk cheese is another option. Raw dairy provides an excellent source of healthy fat and has many healing properties. Please note that commercial dairy sold in most grocery stores is pasteurized and will likely harm your health rather than help it.
However, it can be difficult to locate a source of raw dairy. Sally Fallon has compiled a Web site that provides further information about this important food source, including where you can purchase raw milk.
You can also consider adding some grain, such as spelt, amaranth or quinoa, to your diet, but I strongly recommend that you contact a knowledgeable health care professional that understands insulin and fat biochemistry to help fine-tune your individual program.
Additionally, beans can be added to your diet. Beans have carbohydrates and are sources of good, but not complete, proteins. Add some additional proteins to your meal if beans are your primary protein source at any meal. To ensure that the protein will be more easily digested, soak the beans for 48 to 72 hours, rinsing every 12 hours prior to cooking, and then cook them for eight to 12 hours in a crock-pot.
A final component, one that is often overlooked by people trying to gain weight, is exercise. This is a critical component of good health and will help you to lose, gain or maintain weight, depending on your needs. Weight training can be especially beneficial for those who are underweight.
