Weight Gainers, In Depth Information and Recommended Products

Weight Gainers is a high calorie, high in protein and low in fat powder, which you can mix with any beverage. A good amount of calories you gain from Weight Gainers comes from carbohydrates. They have been around forever, without any doubt.

In the early 80’s, the amount of calories you were getting was really low, like 600 tops. In the meantime, so called ‘’calorie war’’ happened. Each brand took place in it, trying to place products with larger number of calories than their competitors have.

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, the products on the market were rich in calories in the range between 2000 and 4000. Also, with those large scoopers, servings were that big that you needed half a day just to drink it!

There were the popular old Weider ‘’dog food’’ bags of Mega Mass 2000 and 4000, that surely some of you remember. And ever since then, most of the weight gainers are trying to place products with a better percentage of carbs than protein and fat, and with lower content of sugar, which can sometimes be a problem for weight gainers.

What are the Benefits of Weight Gainers?

There are certain very important benefits of weight gains. For example, those with high metabolism, or even more important school and college athletes, who are trying to gain weight for sports, and additionally for anyone who is into sports and can’t gain weight.

In this case, gaining weight means gaining muscle, but it is often misused for gaining fat. I often hear from people how they are not satisfied with their shakes and that they are not working. But the thing is, you can’t just add a shake or two to your regular diet and expect big results.

Weight gainers do work, you just have to know the number of extra calories you need daily in order to gain weight.

Now go back and read the last line again! This is the most important thing you should know about weight gainers. You will need some time to sit down and calculate your calorie intake.

The most preferable way to do this is to use the Harris-Benedict formula, it’s easy and correct. The Harris Benedict Equation formula determines your total daily energy (calories) spent.

How does this work? Well, it uses your BMR and then adds an activity factor to it. Activity is even sleeping, and energy is used for it too. A BMR formula will calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR); the number of calories you burn at rest.

I’m sure you have noticed how with every year it’s harder and harder to eat whatever you desire and stay fit – that’s because your BMR decreases as you age.

Here is the formula:

BMR Formula

Women:

BMR = 655 + ( 4.35 x weight in pounds ) + ( 4.7 x height in inches ) – ( 4.7 x age in years )

Men:

BMR = 66 + ( 6.23 x weight in pounds ) + ( 12.7 x height in inches ) – ( 6.8 x age in year )

Harris Benedict Formula

To calculate your total daily number of calories, multiply your BMR by the appropriate activity factor, as follows:

1. If you exercise a little or not at all : BMR x 1.2
2. If you are lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week) : BMR x 1.375
3. If you are moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week) : BMR x 1.55
4. If you exercise hard or you’re an athlete (6-7 days a week) : BMR x 1.725
5. If you are extra active (very hard exercise/sports & physical job or 2x training) : BMR x 1.9

Example of calculating

If you are number 4, multiply your BMR (1745) by 1.725 = 3010. You will get the number of calories you need just to maintain your current weight. At this point, you should start adding calories over and above the 3010 level to gain weight – say, an extra 500 calories per day. Try doing it for a week, monitoring your waistline.

If you don’t notice any changes, add another 250 calories, again keeping an eye on your waistline. By doing it, you will start to gain some muscles. You may gain some fat, but that’s why monitoring your waistline is important – you don’t want it to get out of hand.

Now, that’s why I said gaining weight is more than adding just a shake or two. The supplements do work, but you have to calculate your calorie needs, and those who do not follow this advice are usually those who complain about the product not working.

Supplements for Gaining Weight, Timing and Dosage

The following should be considered when choosing a weight gainer:

• The first step is to compare the price, number of servings and the required serving size. Although these products are in big packages, the tubes usually provide 16-20 servings. The process of gaining weight can be extended if you stick to the calorie plan I suggested, as some weight gain products provide a huge calorie increase at full strength, which can be just too much.
• Pay attention the total sugar content. As I mentioned, gainers used to be loaded with sugar, but these days good gainers rich in carbohydrates instead of sugar can be found. Also, make sure to check out the protein sources and total protein to carbs ratio. Usually, gainers have double the amount of carbohydrates to protein. I don’t usually advocate high carbohydrates but if you consider that these young high school/college kids typically burn a ton of calories at their chosen sport, and on the other side do not get to eat a lot during the school day, or also may have a fast metabolism, you can see the benefits of extra calories and in this case extra carbohydrates.
• Also, check out online reviews to know about quality and taste. Most sites today will provide user reviews; this is a great way to find out more about a product before buying it.

Some gainers contain things like creatine, extra glutamine and extra bcaa’s.

I would recommend these nutrients because they are proven to be important in the process of muscle building. But make sure you read the labels when comparing products, to see what you are getting in each one.

As the timing is usually 1-2 shakes a day in between regular meals, this could be your shake after workout or sports practice.  Again, add a second shake only if you discover you are not getting any weight and you need extra calories. To prevent gaining fat, serving size shouldn’t be full. As I mentioned, 500 calories per shake is a good option. If you however need more calories, add in extra smaller shakes instead of having a big one.

Recommended Weight Gainer Products:

Body Fuel Weight Gain

Weight Gain is great for fulfilling your calorie needs without the need to eat and risk going-over your day-to-day nutritional amounts. This product is a blend of Protein and Carbohydrates uniquely formulated to provide maximum amounts of nutrients at the right levels to optimize muscle gain.

Perfect for individuals with a fast metabolism or lean physique who wish to increase their size. By having a 60% to 40% carbohydrate to protein ratio that will provides the best possible results whilst taking the Body Fuel Weight Gain.

Click here to buy Body Fuel Weight Gain.

MyProtein Hard Gainer Extreme

Hard Gainer Extreme offers 36g of protein that will promote the growth and maintenance of lean body mass. In addition, it contains a mixture of low and high GI carbohydrates consisting of fructose, maltodextrin and waxy maize starch. Together with these lean mass building mixes, there is additional Flax Seed and Inulin.

MyProtein Hard Gainer Extreme is designed for those who are looking to boost daily calorie and protein intake. Experts recommend to take this product throughout the day for a convenient way to increase your calorie consumption.

Click here to buy Body Fuel Weight Gain MyProtein Hard Gainer Extreme.