what's normal foods? If you are simply removing "normal foods" that are healthy, than you probably aren't exercising enough. If you eat the recommended amount (or close to) calories for someone your size / age / etc, and are gaining weight, than you need to exercise more and add in weight training. More muscle = more calories burned. Plus, muscle has a lot of long term benefits like bone strength / density, so it should be a part of every person weekly program.