Regaining Lost Pounds Through Healthy Weight Gain

Q. I was wondering if you recommend anything for someone who is losing weight and needs to gain it back.

A. What I would recommend is to make a protein shake each day for a snack, in addition to your meals, to help you get additional calories for weight gain and a good quality protein to preserve your muscles.

We have 2 excellent whey proteins:

One is called PaleoMeal (this is also fortified with some vitamins, minerals and enzymes).

The other is called Whey Cool (this is just pure protein powder). Please see the Whey Cool link I provided to read more about these high quality proteins, and the Whey Cool page has a video featuring Annika Rockwell, CN, demonstrating how to use this product to make a healthy smoothie.

She also references other products you can use to add nutrients to your smoothie such as Paleogreens and Paleoreds, DFH fish oils and Paleofiber, and an opportunity to buy all these products in one Whey Protein Smoothie Power Pack.

If you do not know why you are losing weight, I would recommend you be evaluated by your doctor to make sure there is not an underlying medical reason causing you to lose weight.

Muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, and workout recovery

Q. What do you recommend for workout recovery? I have muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, and I would like to optimize my fat burning during workout.

A. Here are my recommendations for you with links:

• MuscleAid by Biogenesis - To support muscle growth and proper contractions. Also helpful to relieve muscle cramps and stiffness. Add one heaping teaspoon (4.5gm) to 3-6 fl. oz. of water/juice or to food, once or twice daily.
• Maxi-HGH by DaVinci Labs - This is a high-potency amino acid supplement which supports normal human growth hormone levels, as well as cardiovascular health and reduces sugar cravings. Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, mix 1 scoop per day in 8 oz. juice or water and take on an empty stomach at bedtime or right after strenuous exercise.

Another supplement to consider is CLA. It helps target fat around the waist. This has been demonstrated in some published research studies.

Also for smoothies you might check out our organic whey protein smoothie packages! This is very high quality protein whey that provides a complete protein with all the amino acids. Other products featured here (PaleoGreens & PaleoReds) have great antioxidant and immune system support. If you want to give our products a try for your mid-day smoothie, you can still add your nuts/nut butter and flax oil. Wait until the end of the blending process before you add the protein. Too much blending is going to damage the fragile proteins, and it is best to leave them intact as much as possible. Also for guys, I recommend using fish oil instead of flax oil. The first package comes with a fish oil we often recommend to our clients.

For a good low-carb bar, I would recommend any of the bars that are on this webpage: Low Carb Bars. Please take a minute to look through to see which one may appeal to you. You can purchase a few to try, but normally we sell these by the box.

What do you suggest for healthy (muscle mass) weight gain?

Q. Do you have any recommendations for gaining weight (not fat)? I've been slim all of my life; I would like to gain about 15 pounds.

A. Healthy weight gain can be a little tricky, but here is what I recommend which has worked well for a few clients of mine: Make smoothies using a high quality whey protein powder such as Paleomeal, and mix it with full fat coconut milk, organic milk, or your favorite juice 3 times a day in addition to your regular daily meals. Also, add in 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil or 1 Tbsp Omega 3-6-9 by Pharmax. Be sure one of your smoothies is consumed 30 minutes or so before bed. This combination of undenatured complete whey protein and good quality fat is ideal for healthy weight gain.