For those looking to gain weight and build muscle, the process can be challenging, especially if you’re starting out as a naturally skinny person. Unlike those trying to lose weight, skinny individuals need to focus on increasing their calorie intake and optimizing their workouts to see effective results. Here are four essential tips to help you gain weight and build muscle efficiently:

1. Eat More Frequently with Clean Foods

   Simply sticking to three meals a day isn't enough to increase calorie intake significantly. To promote muscle growth and weight gain, aim for five to six smaller meals throughout the day. This approach ensures a steady supply of calories to support muscle development. Increase your daily calorie intake by about 20% from your normal level.

   Focus on a clean diet, prioritizing low-fat, high-protein foods. Choose fresh, minimally processed foods with low oil and salt. Avoid junk food that is high in unhealthy fats and sugars to maintain overall health while gaining weight.

2. Prioritize Resistance Training Over Running

   Resistance training is crucial for muscle growth. Unlike cardio, which burns calories and can lead to muscle loss, strength training helps build and maintain muscle mass. Incorporate exercises with dumbbells, barbells, and other equipment into your routine. Limit cardio to 3 times a week for no more than 30 minutes each session to avoid excessive calorie burning and muscle loss.

3. Focus on Compound Movements

   Compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, rows, push-ups, and pull-ups, are more effective for overall muscle development compared to isolation exercises. These movements engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting balanced muscle growth and efficiency in your training. Isolation exercises can be useful but should be secondary to compound movements if your goal is to gain muscle quickly.

4. Ensure Adequate Carbohydrate Intake

   Carbohydrates are essential for energy and muscle recovery. During your weight gain phase, it's important to complement your protein intake with sufficient carbohydrates. Aim for 2-3 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight daily. For instance, if you weigh 50 kg, you should consume 100-150 grams of carbohydrates each day.

   Opt for slow-digesting carbs such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, potatoes, whole wheat bread, and oats. These will help provide sustained energy and prevent excessive fat gain by reducing the rate at which energy is depleted.