Hi Wendy,

Great job on no longer smoking!!  That is a major step in the right direction.

Slowing down a metabolism is definitely not a typical question I'm asked!  However, I understand your desire to gain weight.  Eating a lot of carbohydrates would not be the approach I recommend.  It would be more effective if you follow a balanced diet that includes more healthy fats.  Such as for breakfast have peanut butter and bananas on two slices of whole wheat bread.  Peanut butter is high calorie and healthy.  Adding flax seed to food adds calories and heart healthy fats.  Melting cheese on your vegetables boosts your calorie, protein, and calcium intake.  Add heart healthy margarines (no trans fats) to vegetables and grain products for a calorie boost.

Do not skip meals and include well-balance snacks between meals.  Where most people for heart health would be selecting low fat products, I suggest your do the opposite (unless you struggle with high cholesterol).  Stick with whole fat milk products.

All the best,

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

The Heart of Health - Heart Health and Weight Loss Tips