which dry fruit is best for weight gain

Question

I am really struggling to gain some healthy weight lately. It’s been tough—I've tried different diets, but nothing seems to stick. I’ve always been on the lighter side, and with my busy lifestyle, finding the right nourishment is super important. I’ve read that certain dry fruits can help with weight gain, but I kinda get confused about which ones are actually the best. Like, I recently started snacking on almonds and walnuts, but I’m not exactly sure if they’re enough for my goals.

Also, is there a specific quantity or blend I should avoid?? I mean, I love dates and figs too — are those good for weight gain or are there others that I should be focusing on more? My last experience with some health supplements was a bit disappointing since they made me feel bloated instead of helping, so I’m looking for something natural that actually works.

Maybe someone here has had success with a certain type of dry fruit combo, or like a recipe that mixes them? What do you all think — which dry fruit is best for weight gain, and how do you incorporate them into meals? Any tips would be super helpful since I’m really eager to see some progress. Thanks!

Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya · Answer

For gaining healthy weight, incorporating dry fruits into your diet can indeed be beneficial. In Ayurveda, dry fruits are known for their nourishing properties and energy-boosting qualities. Among the dry fruits, dates are particularly effective for weight gain. They are rich in natural sugars, calories, and essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which help in building muscle mass. Consuming a handful of dates daily can provide you with extra calories needed to aid weight gain.

Figs, too, are great for this purpose. They are high in fiber and antioxidants, aiding digestion and contribute to overall health. Almonds and walnuts, which you're already consuming, are excellent sources of healthy fats, which can provide long-lasting energy and caloric intake.

However, it's important to maintain balance and not consume them in excess as it may lead to digestive issues. Start with a blend of 5-6 soaked almonds, 2-3 walnuts, 4-5 dates, and 2-3 dried figs daily. Soaking almonds overnight can make them easier to digest, and generally, consuming these dry fruits in the morning can be more beneficial as it enhances your digestive fire, or agni.

As for creating a mix, you might want to try a simple recipe for an energy-boosting trail mix: Combine a cup of each — almonds, walnuts, dates (chopped), figs (chopped), and a handful of raisins. You can add a touch of honey and a pinch of cardamom powder for flavor, which also promotes digestion. Keep this mix in a jar for a quick snack or add it to your breakfast cereal or yogurt.

Keep in mind the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, with regular meals containing all essential nutrients — carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Pair these dry fruits with a wholesome meal plan to provide your body with the required nourishment. And always, stay hydrated and consider gentle exercise like yoga or walks to keep your body active and your metabolism working optimally.

Make sure to listen to your body and adjust the quantities as needed, seeking a Ayurveda practitioner’s advice if you find it challenging to balance. Avoid over-reliance on supplements; with the right food choices and lifestyle habits, you'll likely see steady progress.

Dr. Anjali Sehrawat · Answer

To focus on healthy weight gain, incorporating the right kind of dry fruits into your diet can be quite effective. In the Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, it's important to consider the balance of your dosha as well as enhancing your digestive fire, or agni. For someone looking to put on weight, we often aim to nourish the body's tissues (dhatus) in a way that’s aligned with your body constitution (prakriti).

Dates and figs are indeed good choices for weight gain as they are nourishing and provide essential energy to the body. Dates are rich in natural sugars, offering quick energy and supporting kapha dosha, which is associated with bulk and structure. Figs, on the other hand, help in detoxifying the body and strengthen the bones due to their mineral content.

Among the nuts, almond are a great option for healthy fats and protein — just soak ​them overnight and have them in the morning, which makes them easier to digest, enhancing their nutrient absorption. Walnuts are good too, but they should be consumed in moderation due to their slightly heating nature.

An ideal combination may include a handful of almonds, a few dates, and a couple of figs, daily. You can also mix these with some raisins for additional energy and sweetness. Nuts like cashews are also nourishing and beneficial for weight gain due to their fatty content.

Avoid consuming these in excess as a handful should suffice – moderation is key. If they’re included as snacks in your meals, you won't overwhelm your digestive system, allowing it to efficiently process and assimilate the nourishing substances. Additionally, blending them into a shake or incorporating them into your oatmeal can be practical ways. However, if you have a tendency to feel bloated, balance these with heating spices like ginger or cardamom to aid digestion.

If previous supplements have caused bloating, focus on ensuring your agni is strong – including ginger tea regularly can assist with this. Pay attention to how you feel – if you notice digestive discomfort, consult a practitioner to assess your food choices and lifestyle balance.

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