By Amanda Jowsey
Gaining weight has always been one of my biggest challenges. It’s one of the most conscious efforts I’ve ever had to make. I was built to be small. It takes a complete lifestyle change for me to put on any weight.
For someone who was built skinny and naturally does not gain weight as quickly as I lose it, eating feels like a chore. It’s hard and sometimes exhausting trying to take care of myself. I’m bombarded with information online. The pressure I feel to eat healthy balanced meals– as often as I should–plus snacks and water. I’m overwhelmed.
About two months ago, I started this journey to gain weight. I wanted to feel better. I had very little energy, was frequently cold, and irritable (we can partially thank Buffalo winters for that). My doctor ruled out any underlying medical conditions. Then I realized how poorly I had been eating. I couldn’t find time as a busy mom to take care of myself the way I take care of my daughter. It became all about the healthiest, easiest ways for me to gain weight, to find easy ways to remember what I should be eating, and to make it work in my schedule. This article shares some of the best tips I’ve learned along the way so far.