High calorie gainers are protein drinks with a high calorie/low fat content used for gaining weight that is converted into muscle mass. They are used by people known as “hard gainers” who, despite eating a diet high in calories and completing regular body building workouts, continue to have difficulty gaining weight. High calorie protein drinks should be used in combination with a structured fitness program and healthy diet and lifestyle if they are going to have the desired effect.
It is important to read the labels when shopping for a high calorie gainer. Many contain more sugar than is necessary (in the form of carbohydrates) and others require a very large serving size.
You need to consider when you want to use it as well. If you want to drink the supplements before bed so they works while your body is at rest then you want to choose a protein that is absorbed slowly by the body. If, on the other hand, you plan to take it before your workout so that it also gives you energy for increased performance, you want a protein that will be absorbed quickly.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
High Calorie Gainers Benefits Athletes use high calorie gainers to benefit them in several ways. First, the obvious – they help you to gain weight. Then, assuming you are working out regularly and living a healthy lifestyle, your body turns that weight into muscle mass. Protein drinks... more
Athletes use high calorie gainers to benefit them in several ways. First, the obvious – they help you to gain weight. Then, assuming you are working out regularly and living a healthy lifestyle, your body turns that weight into muscle mass.
Protein drinks do not work if you do not exercise. There are no short cuts. If you drink a high calorie gainer and sit around all day, you will not gain muscle, you will simply get fat.
High calorie gainers also help to repair damaged muscle tissue. Through the repair of muscle tissue your size will increase, and you will notice increased performance. Protein drinks help you to recover energy stores more rapidly, also improving your performance during a workout because fatigue is reduced. Some gainers also contain creatine, known to boost performance and muscle mass even more.
Finally, high calorie gainers are a convenient, easy way to boost your caloric intake. You can adjust your diet to do so as well, and many people will recommend trying this first, but that takes meal planning and preparation. Powder drinks are easy to mix and many brands now make ready to drink versions which are premixed.
As mentioned before, it is important to find a high calorie gainer that does not contain too much sugar. A fair amount of carbohydrates (sugars) are necessary to help your muscles absorb the protein, but too much will cause you to gain fat more easily which is not the desired effect.
Having too high of a sugar content can also lead to an insulin spike which can cause fatigue, headaches, or irritability. For this reason, you want to look for a protein drink that contains no more than 30-60 grams of carbohydrates.
Another precaution when using high calorie gainers is that they put you at a higher risk for a glycemic issue. In other words, your blood sugar could spike or drop too quickly. If you have diabetes or hypo or hyperglycemia you should consult your physician before using any of these products.
Another group of people who need to be leery of high calorie gainers are those with lactose intolerance. The majority of proteins used in these drinks, including whey and casein, are made from milk protein which could cause you to experience similar side effects to those you experience when consuming milk or other dairy products.
Dosages for high calorie gainers vary widely between brands so consult the label carefully. Most brands suggest mixing between 2-4 scoops with a 16 ounce glass of water or milk. This amount on average could contain as many as 1000 calories or more in one serving so you may want to cut the amount you consume in half and break your servings up throughout the day. Research has shown it is better to get your calories little by little spread throughout the day than to take them in all at once.
There are literally hundreds of high calorie gainers on the market today. Virtually every sports supplement company has a version of one and claims it to be the best. So how do you know which ones really are the better ones? In examining several sites which reviewed high calorie gainers, the following brands came up on top:
Even though these products received high marks, it is important to do your own homework to determine which gainer is right for you and your fitness needs. Use the free supplement finder to compare these and other high protein gainers now!
| Blood Sugar Issues |
| Fat Gain |
| Lactose Intolerance |
| Insulin Spike |
| Protein Drinks |
| Athletic Performance |
| Energy |
| Muscle Mass |
| Muscle Repair |
| Weight Gain |