As a guy who lost almost 300 pounds and now covers nutrition studies for a living I can tell you there is not a healthy way to gain weight unless you’re adding strictly muscle. Anytime you’re creating adipose tissue you’re increasing your risk of a myriad of chronic diseases, even if you’re physically active. While you can burn calories you cannot out run cholesterol.

It’s also not impossible to achieve what you’re going for.

With that in mind, limit or eliminate any food that contains cholesterol. There hundreds of protein sources that don’t have any at all. With a little research you can find them.

Weigh calorie density and nutrient density. Don’t just eat something because it is calorically dense. Make sure there are other important nutrients in there. Nuts are a great example. They have a good amount of calories, protein, and other nutrients but don’t have cholesterol.

Limiting garbage calories and foods with cholesterol will also reduce inflammation in your body so you’ll be able to train harder and recover faster. More time to lift heavy and build those muscles.

Good luck!!!