Not Every Girl Wants To Be Skinny

The world is really a funny place. The skinny ones want to be fat and the plump, healthy-looking ones want to be skinny. The weight loss project has become so rampant on social media that the tiny people (like me) are intimidated and are too shy to ask for help. Well, this post is dedicated to all the girls out there whose skirts have refused to stay on their waists and who are tired of calling 'aboki' to adjust their clothes all the time.

I had to go surfing on the net on behalf of the #TeamGainSomeWeight community and these are some questions of mine that they were able to answer. I might have added a few tips of my own. I hope this helps.

Q-Why am I losing weight?
A-Weight loss can be caused by various factors.
• Genetics- Does it run in your family?
• Stress- Are you sleeping enough? Is any man/woman giving you a hard time? How are your grades in school?
• Health-related issues- Do you feel sick sometimes? When was the last time you visited a doctor? Do you know your HIV status?
• Poor eating habit- What is your food timetable like? 1-0-0? 0-1-0? Have you been eating only bread or biscuit or other miserly snacks?
• High basal metabolic rate- Are you eating so much and still gaining little?

Q-What do I do about it?
A-Easy. Find out what the real cause is and tackle it accordingly. If it is genetic, then I humbly apologise as I will not able to offer any help to you.

Q-How can I gain weight?
A-That should not be the question. You should ask how you can gain HEALTHY weight. Left to you, you might spend all your life savings on fast food and junk but a cardiovascular ailment awaits you at the end. So you have to gain weight responsibly. Eat healthy calories. Eat as often as you can and do not spare yourself.

Q-What do you consider as healthy calories?
A-Take your carbohydrates, fat and proteins very seriously. Then, don't forget to add your fruits and vegetables and plenty of water. It helps your skin glow. Occasionally, indulge in ice cream, chocolate and cake.
• Carbohydrate- rice, yam, potato, bread, biscuits, pastries, garri/akpu/fufu/starch/amala
• Protein-beans(don't joke with this one), milk(not low-fat or skimmed), yogurt, fish, red meat, egg(everyday if possible), chicken and other similar foods, nuts-groundnut, cashew nut, tiger nut,etc
• Fat-meat, fish, chicken, fried foods, spread such as margarine, butter, chocolate spread, p butter(ose ójì)
• Fruits and vegetables-citrus fruits, fruit juice, carrot, cabbage, garden egg, avocado, green vegetable, etc.

Q-What do you think about supplements?
A-Supplements are good, especially when you do not really have the time to eat so much. They work the magic faster than the foods we have recommended. Unfortunately, this is Nigeria and you might end up taking a fake one that can cause cancer or renal dysfunction in the long run. So, if you ask me, stick to food and drinks.

Q-What of sodas/soft drinks?
A-Hmm... they can help you add weight, but they are not so healthy. Why don't you try juice or milk or yogurt? Those, I can definitely vouch for(unless you want to add diabetes to your resume).

Q-How often should I eat?
A-Are you even eating three times a day? If you are not, that is really bad. You can at least start with three square meals. Try to make your dinner heavier, as metabolism is slower at night and you will not use up all your calories. Take snack as often as possible with a glass of milk/yogurt/juice early in the morning and before you sleep. If you are not a fan of plain milk, take a bowl(or two) of  cereal with plenty of milk(be careful of indigestion though).

Q-What changes should I expect?
A-Initially, it might be difficult as you are not used to it. But eventually, your body will adapt and you will get hungry more often. Also, your bowel movement will be more frequent.

Q-What else should I do apart from eating well?
A-A lot!
• Sleep well. Try to do everything you need to before 10pm.
• Try not to be stressed. Don't let unnecessary things(or people) bother you.
• Yoga(In this Nigeria?)
• Exercise(Yes! Exercise can help you add muscle mass which is even harder to lose in case you backslide. It is also good for your heart.)
• Weigh yourself often to check for improvement.
• Keep a diet chart/good food time table. If possible, stick it to your wardrobe. That is the only place you have to visit every day(unless you want to run naked)

Q-What if I do not remember to eat?
A-Set reminders. They always work.

Q-What if I can't afford to eat well with this recession?
A-Draw a budget. Stick to cheap snacks and try to curb your cravings(ice cream, chocolate,etc). High protein diets that are relatively affordable are also available eg fish(which happens to be very healthy), nuts, beans, etc. Do not let your pocket deter you.