. Cooked white rice in a cup (158 g) has 204 calories, 44 g of carbohydrates, and very little fat (5Trusted Source).<\/span><\/p>\nAdditionally, rice has a rather high calorie density, which means that a single meal provides a lot of calories and carbohydrates. This encourages you to eat more, particularly if you don’t feel particularly hungry or finish your meal fast.<\/span><\/p>\nYou can combine various protein sources with 2-minute packets of microwaveable rice when you’re pressed for time.<\/span><\/p>\nAnother common technique is to cook a big pot of rice, separate the sections into portions that can be frozen or refrigerated, and then mix it with various proteins and fats to make different meals all week long. A fundamental item that can help with frequent, smaller meals throughout the day is rice.<\/span><\/p>\nTo enhance flavor, increase caloric content, and provide a protein boost to cooked rice, simply mix in a portion of the following ingredients:<\/span><\/p>\nParmesan cheese and butter<\/span><\/p>\nbroccoli and cheese scrambled eggs cashews, peanuts, or sesame seeds toasted<\/span><\/p>\nAdditionally, you can sprinkle a sauce over rice, like:<\/span><\/p>\nAlfredo, pesto, and curry<\/span><\/p>\nIt’s easy to make a rice dish into a whole supper. For a well-balanced lunch, try this wild rice and chicken kale dish (400 calories per serving).<\/span><\/p>\nNuts and Nut Butter: Healthy fats and protein.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
4. Red Meat: Muscle-building protein.<\/span><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Beef and pork are examples of red meats, which are likely among the best foods for growing muscle.<\/span><\/p>\nFor instance, 228 calories, 24 g of protein, and about 2.5 g of leucine are included in 3 oz (85 g) of steak<\/span><\/p>\nThe essential amino acid required by your body to promote the synthesis of muscle proteins and create new muscle tissue is leucine<\/span><\/p>\nFurthermore, red meats naturally include creatine, a dietary supplement that is essential for maintaining overall health, strength, size, and growth of muscles.<\/span><\/p>\nEven while lean meats, such as pig tenderloin, are high in protein and nutrients, you should choose fattier cuts to help you consume more calories because they have more calories than leaner meats.<\/span><\/p>\n5. Dark Chocolate: Antioxidant-rich treat.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere are various health advantages and antioxidants in premium dark chocolate.<\/span><\/p>\nCacao, the seed from which chocolate is formed, is found in dark chocolate that has at least 70% cacao content. According to a 2023 study, individuals with kidney illness who consumed 40 g of 70% dark chocolate three times a week for two months had reduced inflammatory markers.<\/span><\/p>\nDark chocolate has a high calorie density, similar to other foods heavy in fat, so you can consume calories from it without consuming much.<\/span><\/p>\nA bar weighing 100 g (3.5 oz) and consisting of 60-75% cacao solids offers around 600 calories. It also includes vitamins and substances that promote health, such as antioxidants, fiber, and magnesium.<\/span><\/p>\nBeyond simply eating it straight off the bar, there are several ways to enjoy dark chocolate:<\/span><\/p>\nTop with cereal<\/span><\/p>\nAdd it to granola or trail mix.<\/span><\/p>\nDip it into nut butter, mix it with fruit, or dissolve it in hot milk.<\/span><\/p>\nChocolate truffles, energy bites, chocolate peanut butter avocado pudding, and other chocolate sweets are all possible.<\/span><\/p>\nDark chocolate comes in a wide variety of forms and grades in supermarket aisles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMake sure it’s a premium one that contains at least 70% cacao.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
6. Cheese: Flavorful and protein-filled.<\/span><\/h3>\nFor generations, cheese has been a staple food.<\/span><\/p>\nIt offers fats and calories. There are 110 calories and 7 g of protein in just 1 oz (28 g) of cheddar cheese .<\/span><\/p>\nA pair of dice roughly equals one ounce of cheese.<\/span><\/p>\nCheese is a delightful addition that can easily add extra calories to most foods.<\/span><\/p>\nCheese comes in a plethora of types. See which cheeses are to your taste by looking through this list.<\/span><\/p>\nSaturated fat and cholesterol are present in many cheeses. All cheeses are heavy in calories and should be eaten in moderation, much like most other foods.<\/span><\/p>\nA fantastic way to combine calories, carbs, and protein is with a dish like macaroni and cheese. It can provide a starting point for other nutrient-dense ingredients, including peas or broccoli. Think about adding modest amounts of bacon or other meats, such pulled pork, to provide more calories and protein.<\/span><\/p>\nA serving of this mac and cheese recipe has 314 calories and calls for 1 cup (125 g) of shredded cheddar cheese.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
7. Potatoes and Complex Carbohydrates: Steady energy release<\/span><\/h3>\nYou can add extra calories at a reasonable price by using potatoes and other complex carbohydrates.<\/span><\/p>\nConsistent energy release can result from complex carbs. In addition, they include other food groups and nutrients like fiber, potassium, veggies, and whole grains.<\/span><\/p>\nPick one of these sources of complex carbohydrates, if possible:<\/span><\/p>\nQuinoa, Sweet potatoes, corn, buckwheat, squash, and winter root vegetables<\/span><\/p>\nLegumes and beans<\/span><\/p>\nIn addition to providing extra calories, potatoes and other complex carbs raise the amount of glycogen\u2014a complex sugar compound\u2014that is stored in muscle. For the majority of sports and activities, glycogen serves as the primary fuel source.<\/span><\/p>\nResistant starch, which is present in a lot of these carb sources, may support the health of your gut flora .<\/span><\/p>\nThis substantial lunch recipe for quinoa and roasted sweet potato bowls (336 calories per serving) allows you to have both sweet potatoes and quinoa.<\/span><\/p>\nOther methods of calorie-boosting complex carbohydrates are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Sour cream added to potatoes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Incorporating shredded cheese into mashed potatoes or quinoa<\/span><\/li>\n
- Roasting your veggies with fats like avocado or olive oil<\/span><\/li>\n
- Putting hummus on crackers, whole grain bread, or baked potatoes; making oatmeal or other hot cereals using dairy or soy milk rather than water<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
8. Salmon and Oily Fish: Omega-3 and protein<\/span><\/h3>\nSalmon and oily fish are great providers of protein and essential lipids, like omega-3 fatty acids, just like red meat.<\/span><\/p>\nIn addition to its many health advantages, omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce the risk of a number of ailments, including heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\nA single 3 oz or 85 g portion of deboned wild Atlantic salmon contains approximately 155 calories, 7 g of fat, and 22 g of high-quality protein, which can aid in weight growth or muscle building.<\/span><\/p>\nSalmon can be cooked in a number of ways, including grilled, baked, poached, saut\u00e9ed, and smoked. In addition, you might try raw salmon found in sushi and sashimi, as well as smoked salmon. While canned salmon is a quick and affordable choice, fresh or frozen salmon is usually slightly more expensive.<\/span><\/p>\nTake into account these easy and delicious methods to include salmon in your diet:<\/span><\/p>\nTuna salad: To add some extra calories to your standard “tuna” salad, try substituting canned salmon with it. You can also add mayonnaise or olive oil.<\/span><\/p>\nCobb salad: Prepare a Cobb salad by replacing the conventional chicken with canned salmon. Then, add bacon, avocado, hard-boiled egg, lettuce, and tomatoes.<\/span><\/p>\nTry this with smoked salmon: Spread cream cheese on whole grain crackers or bread, then top with pieces of cucumber, tomato, or capers.<\/span><\/p>\nSalmon salad: Combine asparagus, leafy greens, and whole milk plain Greek yogurt with sour cream, mayonnaise, or other condiments.<\/span><\/p>\n9. Avocados: Beneficial fats and nutrients<\/span><\/h3>\nAvocados are a great source of healthy fats. Avocados have a fair amount of calories compared to other entire fruits. About 365 calories, 30 g of fat, and 17 g of fiber may be found in just one large avocado. Avocados are also rich in many healthy plant components, vitamins, and minerals.<\/span><\/p>\nTry to include avocados in salads and omelets.<\/span><\/p>\nAvocado toast is among the most widely used applications for avocado. Simply spread some avocado mash on your bread. It really is that simple! For more calories and nutrients, add one egg.<\/span><\/p>\nHere are some more delicious ways to eat avocados without gaining too many calories:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Avocado soups, sandwiches, and fries<\/span><\/li>\n
- Use sushi as a topping instead of mayonnaise.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Baked, grilled, and pickled<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
10. Whole Eggs: Complete protein food.<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the world’s healthiest foods for gaining muscle is eggs. They offer a delectable, cost-effective, and practical blend of premium proteins and fats. About 74 calories are contained in one large raw egg, weighing 2 oz and containing 50 g of shell.<\/span><\/p>\nIt’s also crucial to consume the entire egg. In actuality, the yolk of an egg contains practically all of the healthy elements.<\/span><\/p>\nFor most otherwise healthy people, there’s no need to restrict your egg intake as long as you don’t have an egg allergy or intolerance; you can easily consume three eggs a day if you’d like.<\/span><\/p>\nEggs can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as boiling, poaching, frying, baking, and scrambling.<\/span><\/p>\nPut them to use in:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Salads<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sandwiches & casseroles<\/span><\/li>\n
- Baked egg muffins alternatives to bread sweets such as cr\u00e9me br\u00fbl\u00e9e and egg custard (moderated, of course)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Omelets can be a nutritious and delicious dish that can be consumed any time of the day. To help you reach your daily calorie and nutrition targets, you can top with avocado and sour cream after adding meats, vegetables, and cheese.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For a delicious egg breakfast (or lunch or dinner), try these recipes.<\/span><\/p>\n11. Yogurts Made with Whole Milk: Creamy and probiotic-rich.<\/span><\/h3>\nAnother easy and portable snack is whole milk-based Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and is strained. This makes it a fantastic snack on its own or as a topper.<\/span><\/p>\nA well-balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats make up the nutritional profile of Greek yogurt.<\/span><\/p>\nBefore you add all of your delectable toppings and combos, a 1\/2 cup (170 gram) portion of plain, whole milk Greek yogurt will provide you with 15 g of protein and 165 calories.<\/span><\/p>\nYogurt can be used to make high-calorie snacks. These are a handful:<\/span><\/p>\nFruit and yogurt: Mix 1-2 cups of fresh or dried fruit with a container of yogurt. Additionally, you can include coconut flakes, honey, oats, almonds, and seeds.<\/span><\/p>\nTo make chocolate peanut butter pudding, combine 1-2 cups of yogurt with peanut butter or any other nut butter, 100% cocoa powder, and a sweetener like stevia, honey, or sugar. If you want extra protein, you may also add a scoop of whey.<\/span><\/p>\nYogurt parfait: To make a delightful, nutritionally balanced breakfast or snack, stack 1-2 cups of yogurt, granola, and mixed berries.<\/span><\/p>\nSmoothies: To boost the protein level and give any smoothie a creamier, milkshake-like thickness, whole milk Greek yogurt is a great addition.<\/span><\/p>\nFor even more calories, try fruit-flavored Greek yogurt made with full milk.<\/span><\/p>\n12. Fats and Oils: Calorie-dense and versatile<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the foods with the highest calorie content on the globe include fats and oils.<\/span><\/p>\nOne tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil can add 120 calories to sauces, salads, and cookery very quickly.<\/span><\/p>\nImportant oils consist of:<\/span><\/p>\n