Michelle MacDonald is a wonderful source for any dietary needs. When I was diagnosed with MAC/BE, I was 89 pounds. I have always had a problem gaining weight but I was a competitive runner for years and maintained a weight of about 95 pounds throughout my running life, which means my BMI is too low and the possibility of health problems with the disease. Fighting the MAC/MAI takes calories and energy. Michelle does consulting on the side and through the consulting (and before my first appointment at NJH), I began the journey of weight gain.

You are able to view her thoughts on weight gain through YouTube but I think one of the best things you can do for yourself, other than hiring Michelle as your consultant, is to get the free or premium MyNetDiary app. I chose the paid premium so she could follow my daily food intake and make personalized suggestions through the app. Since it was the premium app and with Michelle's guidance, I put every piece of food I ate into the diary every single day for a year (the subscription). You can do the same on your own by getting the free app but you have to want to gain the weight and be determined to do so. There is so much available for a person committed to weight gain. The premium app shows the daily calories intake, vitamins/minerals, calcium, sodium, cholesterol, many recipes, etc.

Admittedly, it was a long year for me, especially since I have nighttime GERD and can have very little at dinnertime. So, the recommended 2200-2500 calories a day Michelle encourages for weight gain was very difficult for me to attain. She also recommended 1-3 bottles of Boost VHC (520 calories per bottle and can only be bought online), but my personal problem was that it filled me up and I couldn't eat real food during the day. That, in turn, became counterproductive for me for weight gain. I was able to gain about 5 pounds and I remain around 95 pounds as of today with my highest weight during the past year being 97.5 lbs.

We are all different and I'm happy some people have gained the weight they have because your chances of being more healthy are better at a higher weight. I hope this helps you and I wish you the best in your journey to better health!