Before you start scarfing ice cream, ask a doc if you should even try to pack on pounds, says Dr. Susan Bartell, author of Dr. Susan’s Girls-Only Weight Loss Guide. If you get the OK, here’s the deal on gaining: Junk food will plump you up, but that stuff lacks nutrients your body needs. To gain weight safely, eat healthful snacks between balanced meals. Nuts are great. Also, splurge on full-fat yogurts, bran muffins and granola bars. Strength training is another way to add healthy heft. Have a gym teacher show you some resistance exercises, and do them three times a week.

8/17/2008 4:16:00 PM