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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Shakes >>  Weight Gain Shakes

Weight Gain Shakes


For those trying to gain weight, weight gain shakes can be a boon. While it is true that weight gain shakes are not really superior to natural, homemade foods, they do have certain advantages. First of all, they are very easy to make, just mix with water or skim milk, and do not take the time and effort that a full meal needs. As a result, they are perfect as mid-day or pre-workout meals. Secondly, they are also very quick and easy to consume (if not always the best tasting).
So if you have a busy schedule, you do not need to take time out for a meal. Perhaps most importantly, though, is the fact that weight gain shakes give you exactly the nutrients you need, in the exact proportions as needed to put on weight. They have the right amount or proteins, carbohydrates and fats in them. Healthy weight gain shakes can be great for you, but remember that they are only a supplement to good meals and plenty of exercise. If you are not getting any, or enough, exercise, then these shakes will just make you fat, and that is not the kind of weight you want to put on. You want to put on lean muscle mass. 

A weight gain shake should ideally have between 30 to 40 grams of protein per serving. This protein can come from different sources. Most brands use whey protein, soy protein, or casein as the source. What you consume depends on your workouts and goals. Weight gain shakes for men are slightly different from weight gain shakes for women. First of all, most men are trying to lose fat and bulk up with muscle at the same time. For this reason, they need high protein shakes and also have a good amount of carbs. Men should use whey protein powders if they are working out intensely in the gym, as this is digested easiest and gives a short-term boost of energy. Those involved in lower intensity endurance sports should use soy or casein, as this is digested slowly and gives energy for a longer period of time.

Women need different shakes, for the reason that they are often trying to lose excess fat. For this, they need a shake that is low on calories and carbs. This is not to say that women do not need carbs; they still need carbs and it is a very important part of their diet, but not as much as those who want to gain weight. When it comes to weight gain shakes for kids though, you should consult a doctor before giving them any. It is better to give kids a wholesome diet, as this contains not just protein, carbs, and fats, but all the necessary nutrients needed for growing kids. Protein powders may also have negative effects on a child’s development.
There are plenty of weight gain shake recipes. Depending on what you like, you can make a shake by mixing it with water or milk. If you want to make it a complete meal, add in fruits, chocolate, peanut butter or soy milk. You can also make natural or homemade weight gain shakes that do not need protein powder; there are plenty of recipes available online for the same.

Submitted on January 16, 2014