Good Girls Grow:
I am trying to gain weight, I'm consuming double my normal calories and then some and the weight just isn't appearing.
Now I have a very hectic lifestyle with two young kids to run after so I average at least 2500 calories burnt each day, that's including my resting calories.
My question is how can I remain as active as I am (and I can't slow down because this is literally what it takes to keep my house clean and my kids happy and fed) but also gain weight? I'm constantly eating and snacking, going for higher calorie foods, having protein powder shakes to up the calories, I've been trying to gain for over a month now and I'm just yo-yoing at the same weight 🙄
I am getting bigger because I've outgrown most of my clothes but the scales aren't going up??
LondonFA:
It takes time and a constant change of habits. Also, consider where you are getting you getting your calories from and how available they are. If you’re adding them just as fats you will see a slower gain than a mix of fats and sugars (carbs). Re weight vs size, its possible you’re losing muscle mass while getting fatter so the denser muscle tissue was what was maintaining your pre gaining weight. It sound like you are on the track of getting fat, but need to give it time.
A month isn't long enough to see significant gains when you have an active lifestyle. Patience and consistency are key.
I do disagree about the muscle atrophy, however. It's been about a month. Since you're pretty active, you probably haven't had the chance to lose any muscle. Or at least, not a significant amount.
What's probably happening is that you are gaining subcutaneous fat. Fat is less dense than muscle. Here's a picture of a pound of fat compared to a pound of muscle.
Since you care for young kids, a slower gain may be for the best. At least until you don't have to be as active just to keep up with them. But that's just my two cents.
That being said, you may want to consider drinking your calories. It is easier to get down than food, and it's much more portable than snacks. Juice, smoothies, shakes. Whatever you like. You can put it in a travel mug and go about your business. Super convenient.