Everything you need to know about high calorie protein shakes…

Have you ever felt the desire to bulk up and add muscle to your body?

You’re not the only one! Thousands of people formulate and begin following a workout regimen each and every day. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these individuals will ever achieve the goals they initially desired.

There are numerous obstacles that can prevent you from making the desired transformations and one of the biggest is the lack of progress. Despite hitting the gym and wearing out your muscles day in and day out, you’ve been unable to gain the muscle you wanted. This can be devastating and will ultimately leave you feeling hopeless.

This is why many individuals have decided to add mass gainers to their diets. Within this guide, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of such products, so you can determine whether or not a mass gainer would be beneficial for you.

What Is A Mass Gainer?

First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the basics of a mass gainer. What is this type of product and what is its intended purpose? This type of supplement is specifically designed to help provide the consumer with everything they need to gain a large amount of muscle more rapidly. Generally, mass gainers will contain large amounts of calories, carbs and proteins. This combination makes it possible for the user to bulk up more rapidly than they normally would. 

Delivers Substantial Calories

Most individuals, who wish to gain muscle, will begin consuming more calories. The calories are a necessity and can be directly transformed into muscle. Unfortunately, a lot of people feel like they need to eat around the clock, in order to obtain the precise amount of calories needed to achieve their goals. This is simply annoying and inconvenient. With a mass gainer, you’ll be able to meet the necessary caloric intake, without much of a struggle. Depending on the specific product in question, you may be able to acquire as much as 1,000 to 4,000 calories per serving.

High Carbohydrate Content

Weight gainers can be consumed before or after your workout and anywhere between. Many professional athletes that are trying to gain muscle mass, will prefer to take their weight gainer supplement before working out. If you decide to follow suit, you should choose a weight gainer with a high content of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates will not only feed your muscles, but will increase your blood glucose levels. This reaction will drive the amino acids into your muscle cells, so you receive the maximum benefit from the weight gainer.

Creatine Delivery

If you’ve been around the fitness scene for any period of time, you’ve likely heard the term creatine thrown around more than once. This specific supplement is incredibly beneficial for those, who wish to gain muscle rapidly. One of the best aspects of mass gainers is the fact that some of them also contain creatine. This gives you the ability to achieve two goals with a singular product. Choosing a mass gainer, which contains creatine, is highly recommended, but not a necessity.

L-Glutamine Intake

Another thing to consider is the fact that many mass gainers also contain l-glutamine. This specific chemical is very important for those that push themselves in the gym consistently. This amino acid is capable of speeding up the body’s recovery after a strenuous workout. It is also capable of enhance your body’s immune system. Suffice to say, it is wise to make sure your mass gainer contains a sufficient amount of l-glutamine.

Different Calorie Levels 

Your body only requires so many calories in order to start building muscle. One great thing about mass gainers is that they are available in a variety of different calories levels. Keep in mind that it is important to make sure you match up your calories properly. There is a major different between a four hundred calorie mass gainer and a nine hundred calories mass gainer.

If you take in too many calories, you might inadvertently develop fat mass instead of building muscle. Most individuals find that the four hundred to six hundred calorie mass gainers work well. However, if you are really looking to put on a lot of muscle you can step up to the nine hundred calorie mass gainer.

Potential Cons

Unfortunately, mass gainers aren’t perfect and they may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals will experience negative side effects when utilizing these products and others may not be able to achieve the results they initially desired. Below, you’ll learn more about the cons of mass gainers.

Creatine And Caffeine

Many mass gainers contain a significant amount of creatine and caffeine. When separated, these two chemicals can be beneficial. When combined, they can actually increase your risk of suffering from dehydration. It is generally best to choose a product that contains one ingredient, but not both.

Hideous Taste

Unfortunately, the mass majority of mass gainers aren’t very tasty. Some people will have a difficult time consuming these supplements, due to their cringe worthy taste. And, many come with a bad aftertaste, which can stick around for many hours, after the initial mixture was swallowed.

Insomnia

Most mass gainers contain a large amount of caffeine. Although this can be beneficial before a workout, it can be bad before bedtime. Since these products are capable of inducing insomnia, they should not be taken before bedtime.

Overall

When it comes down to it, mass gainers can be very beneficial for many body builders. However, there are some drawbacks associated with these products. By knowing the pros and cons, you’ll have a much easier time determining whether or not you should begin consuming one of these supplements on a regular basis.

“Bruce Kuster is the primary contributor on wealthformyhealth.com, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Biology and Health Science, he is also a coach and CrossFit lover,  Bruce likes to share his passion for nutrition.”

Watch out for LEP’s next article best shoes for crossfit training which will be posted soon…