The Blogosphere Expands: Introducing the fantastic men of GainTirade

I am very happy to introduce an exciting new gainer podcast/comic/blog/recipe library/general multimedia awesomeness created by my two dear friends, Matt and Pete. It's called GainTirade and it's awesome.

Matt and Pete are a very cute, committed, whip smart and hilarious encourager/gainer couple and they have put a ton of effort in to start up a very fun, interesting, engaging podcast. It deals with the various ins and outs of having a relationship that has gaining as a central aspect, and generally existing within the gainer/encourager community.

It's funny, it's really well done, the podcast is updated every Sunday, and if you have a tumblr, you should most assuredly follow them there so you don't miss any of the adorable comics Matt makes. Give it a listen and a look over, if you're reading my blog, I am sure you'll enjoy it. And check out and follow their twitter too!

Tips and Tricks for Throwing a Gainer/Encourager Party

Tips and Tricks 

for throwing a 

Gainer/Encourager Party

Over the past few weeks I've had the wonderful opportunity to throw a few cocktail parties for a handful of friends from BeefyFrat, and attend a dinner party that had solely gainer and/or encourager types in attendance. It's been pretty awesome, but also, as a host, taught me that it's a little more complex than one might originally anticipate. Here are a few of the things I've learned.

Tip 1: Sturdy Chairs are an absolute fucking must!

Well, you know what they say -it's not a real BeefyFrat cocktail party until someone breaks a chair. Know your guests, and make sure you have adiquate seating, both for the number of people coming and the size of your bigger guests. Even though my BF is a pretty big guy at about 300, there really is a big difference between 300 pounds and 400 pounds when it comes to what a chair is willing to support. Don't go crazy, but be thoughtful about the realities of the party your planning.

Tip 2: If people are bringing things, try to coordinate (and don't feel bashful about asking people to bring stuff!)

This is kind of obvious, but, you really would be amazed at how one tracked gainer and encourager minds can be with what they feel like bringing to a party -if you leave guests totally to their own devices, it's pretty easy to end up with a fridge full of the ever fattening favorite, Juniors cheesecake, and little else (not that this is a bad thing, especially if your gainer boyfriend ends up eating all leftover cheesecake). But don't be afraid to divide up what you want your guests to bring -usually having something like guests with last names a-m bring some sort of beverage and guests n-z bring some sort of fun dessert will leave your party balanced, boozed up, and stuffed.

Tip 3: Realize it's not going to be a crazy sex orgy, so don't worry about that!

While I'm sure if you really felt like organizing a wild gainer orgy it wouldn't be all that difficult, anyone you're planning on inviting is prolly just as nervous about it turning into some sort of crazy belly rubbing sex party, and even with the addition of tons of alcohol, it most likely won't go that road, so, relax.

Tip 4: Make sure even if you have snacks and such, that you have a good plan for grabbing a more major meal.

Again, pretty obvious but, gainers get hungry, so, make sure you have a plan for getting a real meal, if you're not serving one. Non-gainers get hungry when they drink, and gainers are going to want to eat if your party lasts for more than one cocktail (as it should), so be prepared.

Tip 5: Respect peoples boundaries.

Everyone has different comfort zones, so, try to be respectful. Some guys have no problem with you going up and rubbing their belly, but, it's a fairly personal thing to do, so, be sensitive. It's important to learn a bit about a person (like if they're in a relationship, for example), before copping a feel. A simple point, but, an important one.

Tip 6: Just do it!

If you throw a party with a bunch of gainers and encouragers, you will have a fantastic time. It's very affirming to hang around with a bunch of guys that feel the same way you do -I'd compare the experience to the first time I was ever in a gay bar, and I thought to myself "Gee, everyone here is OK with the fact that I'm gay." Dropping all of the internalized second guessing that comes from not wanting everyone in your life to know that you love gaining, even if just for a few hours, is fantastic.

The Blogosphere Expands: Professor Fatology's Blog

I've been meaning to post a link to this one for a while, but, the holidays kind of got me a little sidetracked. If you haven't read it already, check out Professor Fatology (known to some as EagleDancer -check out one of his recipes he contributed to this blog here). He writes a very interesting blog touching on various aspects of gaining and encouraging, coming at it from the point of view of a very well informed and well read Psychologist. It might be a little dense for some, and it's not really spank bank material, but it is very thoughtfully written, and offers a lot of smart insights on the topic. Check it out!

And to all a good night

Merry Christmas guys!

So, I know this blog is usually about the joy of excess, and I mean, obviously, Christmas feasting is a gainer or encourager's societally indulged wet dream. I personally have a whole tin of Christmas cookies a dear friend sent to me to stuff the BF but, in this time of happiness and excess, I just wanted to mention to remember to, if you can (and don't feel bad if you can't, it happens to the best of us), try and donate to someone less fortunate than you. I did a lot of donating this season with Heifer.org, an organization that donates animals to families in developing nations to help them eat and be financially self sufficient and successful.

You can see their whole catalogue of ways to donate here.

I am so blessed to be able to give to others, and I hope you all are too. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and it leads into a prosperous, exciting, healthful and healing 2011. Thanks for reading.

Have the merriest of Christmases.

Pie Shakes

Founds this great recipe on a blog I read, and though I have yet to try it, thought it was a worthy addition to any gainer or encourager's recipe aresenal.

Post Thanksgiving Pie Shakes

Do you guys have any favorite super caloric Holiday recipes? Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Lots To Be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving guys! In the spirit of thankfully reflecting, I'd just love to say that I am super thankful for everyone who reads my blog, and the really thoughtful comments I've been getting lately. You're all awesome. And remember, Thanksgiving is the one day a year where it's practically a law that you should go and get stuffed (at least in the US) so don't skimp on the stuffing! To show just how thankful I am, here's a sweet, little Thanksgiving fantasy that hopefully will inspire you all to eat huge today (and tomorrow, and the next day, and the -you get the idea).

 Lots To Be Thankful For

     James was excited. For the first time in the three years they'd been together, he and Rory were having Thanksgiving on their own. Although he was a little bummed that Rory's work obligations had made it wildly impractical for them to fly back to their families' in the North-East, he was totally thrilled at the idea that they got to spend a quiet, romantic Thanksgiving together. 


     James had lots to be thankful for; the past year had been one of the most successful of his and Rory's life. Both were doing spectacularly well professionally, they had moved into a beautiful new house in LA, and life was generally awesome. Their relationship was stronger than ever, and Sean had never been happier. Or bigger for that matter.


     Over the span of their three years together, Rory had lovingly packed more than a hundred pounds onto James, and they had both enjoyed ever second of it. 


     Rory had been working for days to make the the perfect Thanksgiving feast for Sean. 


"It's my fault we can't go back East honey," Rory said with a smile, "The least I can do is cook dinner for you!"


   All week the refrigerator and the pantry had been filling up with ingredients for the big day. Rory had kept the exact menu a secret, but James was sure that it was going to be as calorie packed a Thanksgiving feast as possible. James loved when Rory cooked for him, cause Rory was the king of sneaking extra calories into recipes, and it always got James going when after he finished eating something, Rory would casually inform him that there had been a few thousand more calories in the dish that anyone would think.


   When James woke up on Thanksgiving morning, the house was already full of the smell of wonderful smelling food. Just as James was about to heave his 290 some odd pound frame out of bed, Rory appeared in the door of the bedroom carrying a tray laden with all of Jame's favorite breakfast foods.


"Breakfast in bed for the most adorable boyfriend in the world."


"Aw, you didn't have to honey..."


"Of course I did" Rory smirked, "I need something to keep you busy while I cook. You hang out here, watch TV or read or whatever you want to do to relax, and dinner will be ready in a few hours."


The day crawled on, and James ate and relaxed. When Rory told him dinner would be ready in an hour, he hopped into the shower. The warm water felt good rushing over his broad shoulders and down his thick back. He soaped up his belly and took a second to revel in just how big he had become. As is felt the size of his gut, he thought about how anyone looking at him would have a hard time believing that a few short years ago, he had been a densely muscled, lean college middleweight wrestler. He caught himself in the mirror as he stepped out of the shower and chuckled to himself that he looked much more like he had been a linebacker, not someone who would starve himself to make weight.


James squeezed himself into a french cuffed button down and a snug pair of size 42 dress pants and spritzed himself with cologne. The shirt was was too tight, with football shaped gaps forming between the strained buttons and revealing little slits of belly, but James knew Rory would love it, and since it was just the two of them for dinner, he figured he'd play up just how snug his dress clothes had become. 


As he entered the dining room, James immediadly realized that Rory had outdone himself. There in the candlelight was a table positively creaking with the weight of all the food Rory had lovingly prepared. The turkey was rubbed with herbs and butter and had been roasted with strips of bacon on top of it. There was a small mountain of mashed potatoes. Every kind of side dish you could possibly imagine. and then, almost comic in comparison, were the two placesettings for Rory and himself.


"Wow honey, I can't believe you cooked all this! How I am ever going to eat it all?"


Rory came up behind James wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, and drummed his fingers on James' almost 300 pound belly.


"I imagine you're going to eat it all one plate at a time."


The two sat down, and James started in on his feast. Plateful after plateful slowly began to stretch his belly. Everything was heavenly, and with every course, Rory seemed to produce a new perfectly paired wine or excellently crafted cocktail that kept James' wondering if he felt tipsy because of the booze or of the massive amount of food he already consumed. Somewhere around the third plate Jame's undid his belt, and somewhere around the fifth plate, the button on his too tight slacks mercifully gave way. Rory was visibly excited by both events. Finally, after he had lost track of the number of plates of Thanksgiving bounty he had consumed, James declared himself full. Rory kissed him and informed him he had one final dessert, and then James could stop. James groaned with the thought of more food, but agreed to humor his boyfriend.


Rory vanished into the kitchen, and after a few minutes returned with a ramekin of creme brulee which he placed down in front of James.


"I know it's not very Thanksgiving, but I know it's your favorite."


James smiled at the thoughtful gesture and kissed Rory.


"I am very thankful for you honey. More than anything else in my life I am thankful for you."


James picked up his spook and started to chip through the burt sugar on the top of the dessert and then when when he did, a strange sound clinked out as his spoon hit something in the ramekin.


"Oh honey" James chuckled, "I think you dropped something into the brulee while you were making it."


James looked over at Rory and saw him down on one knee. He looked at his spoon and there it was, a band of gold gleaming out from the pudding. 


Rory looked up at James with his big, brown, puppy dog eyes and said "Will you do me the honor of being my husband?"

   James smiled and kissed Rory deeply on the lips. "Of course I will."

-fin-

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

400 Is The New 300

When I first stumbled upon GainerWeb in the late 90s, 300 pounds was the pinnacle of hugeness for gaining. 200 or 250 were considered pretty damn big to most people. Yeah, a few guys would talk about wanting to be immobile as a fantasy, but in reality, few people made it to 300, much less anything higher. Even getting to 200 seemed hard for a lot of guys trying to find a way to integrate their desire to be big with what pressures they felt from their every day life.

It seems that now that 300 is much more “doable” than it was 10 years ago, and a lot more gainers are eying 400 as an ambitious, but not entirely impossible goal for their gaining. There are more guys gaining younger, and it seems, many more guys actually hitting 300 than there ever have been before.

I think a lot of factors have contributed to this shift, and I’m gonna try to examine a few of them here.

First, I think that the simple fact that people are fatter than they were 10 years ago making every aspect of getting up to and over 300 easier.  The average American is fatter than ever, and I guess that kind of provides a universal camouflage for someone that is intentionally gaining. If everyone around you isn’t bone thin, being a bit bigger than the other more average chubbies doesn’t seem so dramatic.

Kind of going hand in hand with my first point, portion sizes are bigger than ever and as a result, it’s easier for a gainer to pack away more calories on a daily basis without drawing any particular attention to themselves. Public transit is becoming more accommodating of bigger people, the world, at least in countries like U.S. are accommodating the expanding size of its citizens. As I mentioned before, the New York Times even did an article saying that beer guts were in!

I think the burgeoning of the community around gaining has been instrumental in letting gainers go bigger. Basically, the idea is that it’s tough to get to 300 on your own, but with a supportive group of like-minded people that share your interest in being bigger, it doesn’t feel as solitary a path. You often hear about guys that don’t want to gain on their own, or are waiting for Mr. Right, but few people ever talk about how the encouragement that people get from their pals on the internet, in addition to whatever gainer/encourager buddies they may have platonically around IRL really makes it easier to overeat and gain in a day to day capacity.

Apart from the obvious websites to look for fellow gainer/encourager types (www.BeefyFrat.com being the gold standard of gainer/encourager social networking), gaining based communities have popped up all over the Internet. There are thousands of videos on YouTube that focus on gaining. There are tons of new blogs, gainers on Flickr, gainers on XTube, all sorts of fat happy tumblr accounts. It’s nothing short of amazing to see.

I also think that the general advances of the gay community, and the gay rights movement, are just as important to the normalizing of gaining and encouraging as anything.  Gays as a whole are more visible, coming out at a younger age, being afforded more rights, and all of these factors make it easier for someone to be himself. I think this sort of has a transitive effect when it comes to gaining and encouraging –if someone is going to feel comfortable enough to come out of the closet, it’s much more likely someone who has taken that step is going to feel like they should have exactly the kind of sex they want to have, with exactly the right type of guy, in a body that makes them feel good.

Building on that, I think that we've kind of hit on a post-Twink sort of gay world, that allows for a lot more varied body ideals. With the increased visibility of gays, suddenly there are a lot more ways a gay guy can choose to look, and that's awesome. And if the way you are supposed to look isn't as clear cut as many felt it was before, why not choose to look how you want to?

What do you guys think? How have your goals and your relationship with the gaining and encouraging world changed in the past decade? Is 400 a goal you eventually aspire to? Or is it too big? Do you think it's easier to be a gainer or encourager today vs. 10 years ago? I’m fascinated to hear what your thoughts are!

And we're back!

After a brief summer hiatus, The Encourager is back! I was totally overwhelmed by how many of you guys took the time to email, fratnote, IM, BeefyMessenger, etc... to ask about the blog and ask when it was coming back. Not a day went by while The Encourager was on hiatus that I didn't hear from 5 or 10 faithful readers, which amazed me. You guys are, in the words of Tina Turner, "simply the best."

For those of you who were worried about why I vanished, it was just that there was a bit of national level media attention that was falling on the various gainer/encourager blogs, and I didn't wanna have that kind of attention on my writing. I figured I'd pull things in and decide what next to do. I've decided to have a bit of a closer reign on things here -you won't find me on google, and you won't find archives or cached pages anywhere if the html I added works right. But hopefully I'll be around without any reporters lurking around lol

So yeah, I'm back, and look forward to some fun posts in the coming weeks. You guys are the best readers ever.

-Get A. Snack

350,000 Hits! Jesus that's a lot of horny people

I just got an email from my hit tracker service that I got my 350,000th hit for the blog! That means there have been 50,000 hits to this blog since the tail end of March -i.e. 50,000 hits in about 3 and a half months. This blows my mind. Thanks everyone!

-Get A. Snack

P.S. The above image of a hot bellied guy off the interwebs is totally unrelated to this post, I just thought you guys would like it!

The Blogosphere Expands: Beefyblimps

Just wanted to let you guys know about a cool new gainer-ish art blog called Beefyblimps. It's got some neat stuff, a fun style, and should def. get a few of you guys going. Enjoy!