6 Natural Foods That Help Gain Weight Fast
Six nutrient-dense foods to help you gain weight quickly and safely, ideal for fast metabolisms or low appetites.
Nuts & Nut Butters
Avocados
Full-Fat Dairy
Rice & Whole Grains
Potatoes & Starches
Dried Fruits
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Gaining weight may sound easy — just eat more food, right? But for many people, especially those with fast metabolisms or low appetites, gaining weight is just as challenging as losing it.
The key to healthy weight gain is choosing nutrient-dense foods that provide calories, healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins without relying on junk food.
If you want to build muscle, increase energy, or reach a healthier body weight, here are six natural foods that help you gain weight quickly and safely.
1. Nuts and Nut Butters — Calorie-Dense Superfoods
Nuts are one of the easiest and healthiest ways to add calories to your diet. They’re rich in healthy fats, proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them perfect for people trying to gain weight.
✔ Best nuts for weight gain:
Almonds
Walnuts
Cashews
Pecans
Pistachios
✔ Why nuts help you gain weight:
Very high in calories (a handful = ~200 calories)
Rich in monounsaturated fats
Provide long-lasting energy
Easy to snack on anytime
Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter) are even more calorie-dense and delicious on toast, fruit slices, oats, or smoothies.
✔ Tip:
Choose natural nut butters without added sugar or hydrogenated oils.
2. Avocados — Healthy Fats for Fast Weight Gain
Avocados are loaded with healthy fats and packed with nutrients that support heart health and digestion. They’re one of the most calorie-dense fruits available, making them ideal for weight gain.
✔ Why avocados are perfect:
High in calories (one avocado = ~250 calories)
Rich in monounsaturated fats
Contains potassium, vitamin E, and fiber
Supports hormone balance
✔ How to eat more avocado:
Add to salads
Spread on toast
Mix into smoothies
Make guacamole
Add slices to sandwiches
Avocados increase your daily calorie intake in a healthy, clean way.
3. Whole Milk and Full-Fat Dairy — Classic Weight Gain Essentials
Full-fat dairy products like whole milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter are excellent for healthy weight gain. They contain protein, calcium, natural sugars, and saturated fats that help build muscle and maintain weight.
✔ Why dairy helps:
Rich in calories and protein
Contains casein and whey for muscle building
Easy to add to meals
Great for smoothies and shakes
✔ Best options:
Whole milk
Full-fat Greek yogurt
Hard cheeses
Cottage cheese
Heavy cream
If you want fast results, replace low-fat dairy with full-fat versions.
4. Rice and Whole Grains — Clean Carbs for Extra Calories
Rice is affordable, easy to digest, and calorie-dense — a perfect foundation for weight-gain meals. Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates that give long-lasting energy.
✔ Why grains help:
Increase daily calorie intake
Support muscle growth
Stabilize blood sugar
Improve digestion
✔ Best grains for weight gain:
White rice
Brown rice
Quinoa
Oatmeal
Whole wheat pasta
Buckwheat
✔ Weight gain tip:
Add olive oil, butter, nuts, or protein sources to rice to increase calories without feeling overly full.
5. Potatoes and Starchy Vegetables — Natural Calorie Boosters
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and starchy vegetables are excellent for adding calories and carbohydrates to your diet.
✔ Why starchy veggies help you gain weight:
Provide high amounts of clean carbs
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Increase muscle glycogen stores
Boost energy and appetite
✔ Best starchy vegetables:
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Corn
Peas
Pumpkins
✔ Easy ways to add them:
Mashed potatoes with butter
Roasted sweet potatoes
Potato soups
Corn salads
Starches digest slower, keeping your energy levels steady throughout the day.
6. Dried Fruits — Small in Size, Huge in Calories
Dried fruits are one of the fastest ways to add calories because they contain concentrated natural sugars and nutrients.
✔ Best dried fruits for weight gain:
Dates
Raisins
Figs
Apricots
Prunes
✔ Why they’re effective:
High in calories in small portions
Rich in fiber and antioxidants
Improve digestion
Easy to combine with nuts for powerful snacks
✔ Tip:
Mix dried fruits into yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, or add them to nut mixes for a high-calorie snack.
🌟 Bonus: High-Calorie Smoothie for Fast Weight Gain
Blend the following for a calorie-packed shake:
1 banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon honey
Handful of oats
This one smoothie can add 500–700 calories in a healthy, nutritious way.