18 y/o vegetarian male looking to gain mass

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veghead91

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I posted this in the introduction forum as well as I'm new here. Sorry if I'm not allowed to make another post like this in a different forum, but I want as many people to read this thread as they can and help me out because I'm worried about my health, so, please mods, don't delete this.

Hello all,

I'd like to introduce myself and explain why I'm here. At 5'4 and 85 pounds, I'm currently very underweight. I think my BMI is close to a 15!! My ribs and ribcage are all visible. I have slightly underdeveloped muscles--I look like I'm in shape, though, probably because there's little to no fat on me. I'm frequently cold and my legs are always tired. I have recently made big changes in my diet in the past two months--incorporating more protein and lifting weights. I used to feel sluggish and get bloated after eating, and I think I was suffering from anemia and protein deficiency--I feel so much better and energetic now that I've changed my diet, though! But today I hopped up on the scale and noticed that instead of gaining weight, I actually dropped 3 pounds (I was at 88 last time I weighed myself)! What am I doing wrong? Why can't I gain weight? Help me out, guys, I'm pretty worried!
 
How much do you eat each day? Do you keep a log of what you eat and how much? It could be that you burn more calories than you consume each day causing you to lose weight.

Then again, there might be something else at play here, and seeing a doctor or dietician might be in order for you.
 
leave that vegetarian crap, it's nothing but a bunch of rubbish. Next, start eating meat and start lifting heavy. Don't fall for those protein powders, just get the real deal (meat). Obviously the vegetarian thing isn't working for you and you are becoming sickly because of it. Eat some carbs before and after your workout (don't overeat them, a piece of fruit before and after is good enough), and make sure you get enough fat and protein in you,

Do these power exercises:
squats
deadlifts
military press
bicep curl
barbell rows
bench press

and lastly, give it time. Growth is a biological process and doesn't happen overnight
 
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With all due respect, the previous poster does not know what he is talking about. :) Not only can you get every nutrient you need from a vegetarian diet (except for B-12, probably), but also phytonutrients are of a higher quality.

Weight gain or loss is simply a matter of calories in, calories out. Eat more calories, but continue to choose nutritious ones. All the saturated fats in meat are not a recipe for good health.
 
Most vegetarian are well,not that fit or should I say has the muscles. If you want to gain weight you need to eat meet. They are good in helping you to get the weight that you want. Be conscious on your daily diet,eat a lot of fruits and meat and improve your work out routine.
 
Hi

Dont listen to these crap veggie , non veggie concept..not all non vege is heathy..take my advice being a veggie you are buildin up muscles with the help of nutrients not fats like in non -veg. I am a 100% veggie and i have maitained a good shape all my life without even touching a egg..since you are looking to increase wait..just like our friend said above its all abt cal in cal out. Follow a good food plan it will help you for sure to increase wait..dont get fooled on this veggie non veggie concept...all crap ...

being a veggie follow below.

Morning have a boiled potato it has lots of carb.
split your daily meal into 5 parts. and eat only when u are hungry and dont eat when hunger is over.
dont have to lift heavy weights, decide the weights based on your capacity.
Keep ur work out short and sweet for an hour.
 
Being vegetarian has its ups and downs but you can still hold faithful to this practice if you find a way to get important nutrients that can only be "found in meats". Enerhealth botanicals make a special supplement drink called "enerfood". Me being a vegetarian my self can tell you from personal experience that enerfood will give you all the nutients you need to to gain a healthy amount of wieght. You should definently visit their website at enerhealthbotanicals.com
 
I am skeptical that the op is real. However, if you are real, see your doctor, immediately! You have the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. A person with a BMI of 15 is undergoing starvation.
 
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Wow interesting debte here - I am not anti-veggie myself and indeed have lowered my meet intake because I hate thinking of eating hormone fed animals and organic grass fed stuff is costly!

If I was vegetarian, I would focus on nuts, lentils, seeds, yoghurt, eggs (though you may be strict and not eat dairy). Try not to fall into the soya trap - it isn't a healthy substitute for milk.

For many years I was over concerned about protein intake but for mass and muscle focus more on your carbs and healthy fats (omega 3 & 6).
Our bodies produce protein themselves infact and it is a waste to eat too much! Just be balanced...

Good luck!
Luke
 
Dude, see a nutritionist who specialises in healthy vegetarian eating ASAP. In the meantime, eat energy-dense foods as much as possible, such as avocado, add vegetable oil to your meals, and use white breads as you can eat more of it than wholemeal and wholegrain. If you're not opposed to it, consume eggs and dairy. But most importantly, see a nutritionist, as they can provide a quality food plan for you that will allow you to eat vegetarian without the health consequences that you seem to be experiencing.
 
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