*** Most women don't get enough protein in their diet. Not even the low suggested minimum amount for health***
I was 5'2", 102 pounds when I started my weight gain/ curves gaining journey. (I haven't made a new thread for it yet because I want to hit the 1 or 2 month mark at least before posting pics.) But, what I'm doing is working! (FINALLY!!) I've been a beanpole my whole life and looked like I had a 13 year old boys body. I take in about 1.5-1.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily, but I'm also lifting heavy 3-4 times a week. It doesn't matter if you're thin or overweight, trying to gain weight, lose weight or just stay the weight that you are. Enough protein for your body weight is needed for all over health and aids in controlling diabetes and heart disease, among other things. Not getting enough protein in your diet can cause many health issues, and can cause even more problems if you're working out and not getting enough. If you are working out, enough protein is essential, not just for standard health, but for muscle and tissue repair.
Also, since you're thin and working out, it's essential that you make sure you're not only eating enough calories a day to maintain your weight, but that you're eating extra calories to replace those burned during workout so that you don't start losing weight. If you're trying to GAIN instead of just maintain, you need even more calories and protein. You also need to eat a small meal before AND after your workout so that you're not burning your small amount of fat or any muscle because of the workouts. Just a small snack/ meal consisting of a serving of protein, carbs and a healthy fat is fine. (Like a peice of toast with sliced avocado and sliced egg on it would work. Or a protein shake with a bagel and cream cheese.)
Your body can utilize 40 grams of protein every 2 hours. Eggs and bananas are great foods to help gain, there's also oatmeal, peanut butter, almond butter, avocados, leafy greens, fruits, while milk, nuts, seeds, fish, lean beef, chicken, turkey, ect ect. The list of healthy foods to help gain weight is pretty long actually. But 1 egg only has about 6 grams of protein. And a banana has 1.2 grams of protein. Getting your protein mostly from food sources is the BEST way, but whey protein powder is a great addition to your daily diet to help meet your protein needs. One protein shake a day is totally fine, and probably all you need, just make sure you're getting enough protein from other sources. Whether you're personally trying to stay the same weight or gain weight, just make sure you're getting enough
http://www.intense-workout.com/protein_per_day.html
http://www.fitnessrxwomen.com/nutrition/...ally-need/
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/much-pro...-6411.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/woman3.htm