Training & Nutrition - Calorie-dense foods on a budget

I seem to be doing more cycling as of late, and I'm starting to lose weight. While some might find that a good thing, I didn't start with very much to lose, at 5'6", and 140lbs. :rolleyes:

That being said, I'm looking for budget-friendly, calorie dense foods to add to, or increase within my diet. Peanut butter is already on the list, naturally, and I'm being extremely liberal with the olive oil. A few criteria are:


No beef (Not a vegetarian, but I just don't like the taste of beef)
Must be available in organic form
Must be CHEAP!
Available in bulk from Whole Foods, Costco or Sams Club is a definite plus
If a single ingredient, something that would go well tossed onto/into everything


Any input is appreciated. :)

We just had microwaved organic yams with a little butter for lunch. Darn good food. I think they run about 30 cal./oz., plus the butter.

Hmm... I need to go get some more then... I haven't had a yam for about a month. I usually pour the olive oil on, though. Tastes better than butter to me. :)

whole grain rice.

Nothing beats a good 'ol bowl of butter.

Are you losing weight because 1) You are losing water? 2) You are losing fat? 3) You are losing muscle?
Knowing that first would be right step to find out how to remedy this instead of just dumping more calorie in your body... (which might not work).

Avocados. They have good fats and are calorie dense. Add them to sandwiches, salads and anything else you can think of.

Real peanut butter. You know, the kind where the oil keeps separating and the only ingredients listed are peanuts and salt. Great on crackers, toast, pretzels, tortillas, and most other carb sources. Also a very good ingredient in many, many dishes and drinks.

There are also walnut, almond, hazelnut (Nutella) and sunflower butters.

Tahini (sesame seed paste) by itself or as an ingredient in hummus is also a healthful and inexpensive, calorie-dense food.

Levi Leipheimer is 5'6 and 136, why do you want to gain weight?

I'm 5'9" and 140-143. Sounds to me like you are doing just fine.

Add olive oil to everything.

Wait..you said on a budget. How about rice, beans, and a pile of butter?

Steel cut oats and fresh ground peanut butter. Available in the bulk food section of many supermarkets.

I'm 6' and 145, and that's heavy for me. Just based on height and weight there's nothing wrong with you.

If you're losing weight and want to maintain weight, just eat more.

beans and lentils. Buy dried not canned, way cheap, carbs and proteins. very versatile, add to salads, add to rice, add to soups, turn into burgers...etc

just drink a few cups of olive oil before bed, you'll be packing calories like crazy.





(obviously not srs)

Are you losing weight because 1) You are losing water? 2) You are losing fat? 3) You are losing muscle?
Knowing that first would be right step to find out how to remedy this instead of just dumping more calorie in your body... (which might not work).
It seems like all 3. I can see the muscle groups in my arm and thighs more clearly when I flex, and my strength level has declined.

As for water, I have issues with taking in enough water year-round. I have a deviated septum, symptoms of which become worse as I dehydrate, but if I attempt to drink more water, it usually just goes through me without hydrating me.

just drink a few cups of olive oil before bed, you'll be packing calories like crazy.
(obviously not srs)
Already doing that. Mmm, Olive Oil.
(not entirely joking)

Levi Leipheimer is 5'6 and 136, why do you want to gain weight?
For me, 130lbs, (which I've been to before for other reasons), leaves me feeling uncomfortably bony.

beans and lentils...turn into burgers...etc
Bean...burgers? Intriguing...

This is just my opinion. I think that the only athletes that should be gaining weight are football players, weight lifters and sumo wrestlers. Bike riders and the average person should be as skinny as possible. Again this is just my opinion.

These foods wont meet all of your requirements but should be calorie dense.
Cheese and macaroone
Ice cream
corn bread and butter and sugar
cakes
fruit pies
candy
pork / bacon / all the lard that you can eat.

The above should add weight and give you a coronary in short order or at least start you down the path to type 2 diabetes.

I really think that you should be happy with your body and realize that there are many people trying to get where you are. Just take a look in the clydesdale forum.

I don't know your age but most peoples metabolism slows down around 40 years of age and the weight gain comes more easily.