Metabolism issues

[cjs1988]

My first post on the forums so first i would like to say hi to everybody

Basically im 20 years of age, just shy of 180cm tall and weigh 9stone.
I used to do alot of exercise during high school, including alot of cardio, which i linked to me being underweight for my height. Over the last few months i have been trying to increase my Calorie intake, by 500+ a day. I eat generally well, eating lots of fruit and veg, fish chicken and drink plenty of water. I am not as active as i was, since im now driving to work and only play football occassionally, but no matter what i seem to do i cant put on weight. I can have a substantial meal, and within an hour i feel like eating again. I seem to want to be snacking throughout the day, and it seems i cannot gain the weight i desire. I have not tried to do any weights etc, as im not able to put on the weight to begin with, and get worried i would make things worse.

I had a recent blood test to check for problems, as i think i was worrying about it, it wasnt making me feel any better about myself. They have just linked it to my metabolism. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas both dietry and exercise to help me gain the weight i wish to. After a recent NHS check, they said im not dangerously underweight, but could do with gaining about a stone.

Sorry for the essay.

[janewhite1]

Foods like nuts, whole grains, cheese, eggs, and dried fruit might help you get more calories into you, as could eating veggies cooked instead of raw.

Snack a lot, it sounds like you need it. Carry something with you. Just snack on "real" food rather than candy and potato chips!

[cjs1988]

I rarely eat any chocolate or candy, if i have a snack its generally a bowl of nuts, (sunflower seeds) banana, apple, packet of baked crisps. Or i will make myself a sandwich. Regarding the eggs i generally have 2 eggs a day, generally with my breakfast or lunch.

[janewhite1]

Yup, it sounds like you are eating healthy. I'm just suggesting that you eat more often, and choose high-calorie healthy foods.

Also, you might want to consider shakes and smoothies as a way to get more food into you. I love protein powder, milk, a whole banana, flaxseed oil, and a generous spoonful of peanut butter mixed up in the blender.

[cjs1988]

Are there any high calorie healthy foods you can suggest? The shakes that you suggest also, should i be doing weight training while taking this? and how often do you recommend i use them. I am unsure whether they are something to take in between meals, or in replacement to.

Regards