Using Protein Shakes for Weight Gain

Many people who walk through the doors of the gym want to gain weight. This term can be misleading, however. Most of those people do not want to gain fat, they want to gain muscle. In order to ensure that the weight gained is muscle there must be a stimulus for muscle growth and then nutrients to feed the muscles.

Gaining Weight

Quality, high-intensity strength training is the key to providing the stimulus for muscle growth. Heavy, compound exercises (like squats, bench press, dead lifts) done in good form will tear the muscles down, which prompts the body to build them back up stronger and bigger. Rest is vital to growth, the muscles can’t grow if they are constantly being broken down. It is during rest that the repair and rebuilding process happens.

The muscle fibers are made up of protein. They require lots of amino acids to rebuild after a strenuous workout, and to build additional fibers. This protein has to come from the diet because the body cannot make most of the amino acids needed in the process. Good quality, whole-food proteins are the best proteins for this need, however, most people cannot eat enough whole food to cover the increased protein needs of a hard training athlete. Athletes may need as much as 1 to 1.5 pounds of protein per pound of lean bodyweight. This is a lot of protein for the 200 pound athlete.

Protein Shakes To Gain Weight

When looking to gain weight, protein shakes provide the necessary protein to keep building muscle. A shake with good complex carbohydrates and some quality fats is a good option. It will provide the carbohydrates and fats for energy to process and use the proteins. It will also help increase overall caloric intake, to offset the increased energy expenditure during workouts. A good quality breakfast, with a protein shake, will start the body off in the growth direction. Then drinking a shake between meals will boost calories and protein throughout the day. A shake post workout is essential for growth, the body will be starving for protein at this point. It is vital to feed the muscles. Finally, a good high protein, slow digesting shake before bed will help keep the muscles fed even while you are sleeping.

There are many shakes on the market and most have value. It is best to have two different types, a fast digesting and slow digesting. The fast digesting is good for post workout and later afternoon shakes. The slow digesting ones are good for morning shakes and pre-bed supplementation. Flavor is important, because you want to be able to drink the shake on a regular basis, however, it should not be the sole selling factor. Remember, sugar does nothing for muscle growth, and most super sweet protein powders have a large sugar content. Find one that you enjoy the taste of, but don’t look for the equivalent of an ice cream parlor milk shake.

The protein shake can be an important tool in the weight gain game. Most people want to build muscle and protein is vital to muscle growth. After providing the stimulus for growth with an intense workout, protein must be taken in to feed those muscles. A quick, convenient protein shake is just the ticket for getting that muscle building protein and growing those massive muscles.  Check out the best protein shakes.