Mass gainers fall into the meal replacement category of supplements. The major difference is that they intend you to take a huge serving. Sometimes, 4 to 6 scoops, equaling 1200+ calories! They are made up of all three macro nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. With any nutrition plan, even bulking, you need to make sure you have the right budgets of calories for the gainer you want to use. Just eating tons of whatever you see is not going to result in the type of mass building you want. Sure you’ll build mass, fat mass!
What to look for in a Mass Gainer?
Protein – like all protein supplements, there are differing sources of protein. Most mass gainers use a protein blend. Remember, whey isolate or hydroslate are the best, and then concentrate. Avoid any soy! Some gainers will use egg proteins even. Now the difference between isolate and concentrate is not as important with a mass gaining product. Don’t get me wrong, I love whey isolate for its pure protein. When you are building mass though, having the lowest calories is not a worry. You do get what you pay for. Mass gainers with isolate are still better and therefore more expensive. (NOTE – The first ingredient on an ingredient list is the most abundant. So if whey isolate is before concrete, they used more isolate in the blend.)
Carbohydrates – Take a look at the source of carbs of your mass gainer. Typical sources are dextrose, maltodextrin, waxy maize, whole oat powder, barley oats, etc. Now the carbohydrate type should guide your intended use. If your mass gainer only has dextrose, maltodextrin, and waxy maize then it should be most used post workout as those are all high GI carbs. If your carbs include oats and are more blended, it with have a much more balanced use. Sugars in your mass gainers will be a good indicator of when to use it too. If the sugars are really high, use post workout!
Fats – these are important too! Look at your label as the fats will also come from different sources. Many mass gainers have essential fat acids complexes. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fat and are even able to used as an energy source (which helps save some glycogen). Fats help slow down the digestion of the mass gainer and are help maintain hormonal health.
EXTRAS! – Mass gainer products often throw in some extras. This may include amino acids (most come from the protein content of the gainer), glutamine for recovery, and even creatine. These are nice to have and may even change your need of some other supplements you’ve been taking while cutting. Again, read your labels and be informed.
Optimal Use
This will vary from person to person, but don’t be afraid of taking only a half serving. Over 1,000 calories in one shake is a lot! Cut the serving in half and you will double the size of the bag. They are great to use in between meals to help reach your daily budgets. Remember, you still need to track to make sure that you are meeting all your requirements. A mass gainer is only helpful if it allows you to meet those goals. It won’t help if you are just taking it to take it! You might not need a mass gainer. I don’t use them. If you are able to meet all of your nutritional goals with whole foods, that’s the best! But if you are having a lot of trouble getting all of your calories in, take a look a mass gainer. Pick a quality product that meets your goals! BEAST UP!!
Need a coach?
My email: coachwayne@teamripped.com
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