If you are underweight and need to gain a few pounds or are just looking to bulk up, be aware that there’s a right and a wrong way to do it. The wrong way is probably the most fun, but will ultimately wreak havoc on your body. It involves eating a lot of gross, fatty and sugary foods and not exercising. All this will do, in the long run, is make you unhealthy and flabby and probably lead to some poor eating habits that are hard to break. The right way to gain weight means bulking up on foods that are still healthy, foods that will add muscle and not fat, and also working out regularly.

To gain weight, you need to eat a very high protein diet. You can get your protein from red meat, fish, poultry, or any other source you desire. Just aim for a higher intake than is recommended to maintain your weight. Also make sure that you get plenty of complex carbohydrates as well. Avoid sugars and foods that are high in fat, but make sure you eat plenty of the good stuff.

Also, contrary to popular belief, you do need to work out if you’re going to gain weight in the right way. Steer clear of heart pumping aerobic exercises, but do engage in weight training and other strengthening and toning exercises. These will help you to build muscle and not to get any of your weight gain from fat. Before you know it, if you follow these steps, you’ll be looking lean and beautiful.