Offices and schools are just not made for hardgainers. I mean, come on, we have only have one meal, lunch, for an 8 hour day? As a hardgainer who is struggling to gain weight, it is absolutely crucial that you get in as many calories as possible on top of that measly one meal you get during your busy day. Eat during breaks, in between classes, wherever you can because if you are not feeding your body during the day, you will most likely not be able to meet your weight gain goals. A lot of us probably don’t eat before and after lunch because it’s a hassle, but it can actually be extremely easy to get in those extra calories! Eating to gain weight aside from lunch doesn’t mean you have to carry with you a box of chicken, a can of tuna and a mini fridge for your milk everywhere you go. You can simply bring healthy “snacks” with you, and believe me, those calories can add up compared to not eating it at all. Below is a list of snacks or foods you can bring with you easily and are optimum for a hardgainer trying to gain lean weight.

Protein Bars or Meal Replacement Bars

These are great and probably one of the easiest ways to get in some extra calories and protein. Most are usually 250-400 calories and 20-40 grams of protein. Click here to see a complete list of protein bars and their nutritional content or to purchase some for yourself.

Homemade Weight Gain Bars

These are also really easy to take around, to eat and are very healthy depending on how you make it. Click Here to view our homemade protein and weight gain bars article and learn how to create your own!

Almonds and Walnuts

Almonds and walnuts provide high quality, highly absorbable protein. They are easy to carry around and to eat as a quick snack in between work or school and are also very calorie dense. Perfect for the on-the-go person!

Beef Jerky and Low Fat Cheese

This is my favorite high protein snack combo! As with all beef products, beef jerky is high in good protein. Just be careful of the sodium content from the beef jerky and the fat content from the cheese. Stick with a low-sodium brand beef jerky and low fat cheese.

Sunflower Seeds

Stay away from the roasted and salted sunflower seeds and stick with dried ones. They are loaded with protein and good fats and also help

Fruits and Bananas

A lot of people who are new at bulking might skip out on fruits, concentrating solely on protein and carbs, but it is important to know that fruits are filled with antioxidents which are neccessary in maintaing a healthy body and providing you with energy that you will need in the gym. Bananas are also amazing because it is filled with potassium which is very important in muscle function.

Sandwich

A sandwich is easy to bring along with you and easy to eat. The great thing about sandwiches is that there are so many different kinds of sandwiches and is extremely modifiable to fit your needs. You can stuff your sandwich with egg whites, lean meat, low-fat cheese, ANYTHING you want! Things you put in your sandwiches definitely add up in calories, so this is one food item I would definitely not miss out on when trying to gain weight.