Weight Gainers Are Junk! Stop Buying Them!
I’m a straight shooter, you all know that by now. I’ve been in the fitness and supplement industry for almost 20 years now and I can’t believe the number of people who are still using weight gainers. Let me make this extremely clear… WEIGHT GAINERS ARE JUNK! Not only that, but for what you get, they are VERY expensive.
Now, before your head explodes, let me clear the air. Not ALL weight gainers are junk, but MOST weight gainers are junk. Some gainers are a lot cleaner than others, but for the most part, weight gainers are full of worthless calories and tons of sugar. Why is this? To help you put on weight, duh. Here is an article I wrote that helps explain the difference between protein powder, meal replacements, and weight gainers.
If you are trying to dirty bulk and put on as much weight as possible and not care about your body fat levels, then do whatever you want. But, if you are looking to put on CLEAN and LEAN mass, you need to pay close attention. There isn’t a weight gainer on the market today that I would recommend — I don’t care what brand it is. I have a much better solution to hard-gainers problems… It’s called eat more whole foods or make your own weight gainer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
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WEIGHT GAINERS ARE JUNK!
How do we solve this problem of high-sugar weight gainers that are providing you with, essentially, worthless calories? As mentioned above, consuming more whole foods would be your best option. I’m not naive to think that some hard-gainers truly can eat an excessive amount of calories and not see the scale move at all (consider yourself lucky while you can). I also understand the fact that many of these hard-gainers are already eating a large volume of food each day in an effort to put on size. The reality comes down to the fact that any more volume basically makes them sick. You also run into the issue (like with some powerlifters and strongmen) where your jaw actually hurts from chewing all day long.
Related Article: Benefits of Adding Protein to Your Diet
If you can’t consume more whole foods, then make your own weight gainer. “But Matt, I thought you said weight gainers are junk?” Hear me out.
Make Your Own Gainer
Go get yourself a protein powder. Any will do. One of the best selling on the market these days is the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey. I would recommend getting it in a vanilla or chocolate flavor to use as your base. Get the largest tub you can afford (generally most people can pick up a 5lb tub) since you will be consuming a lot of calories in the form of a shake. The 2lb tubs won’t last you very long if you use the powder regularly (or even post-workout to kickstart the recovery process).
In order to get the best bang out of your homemade weight gainer, use the protein powder of your choice and put it in a blender with something like milk or almond milk, add some natural peanut butter, as well as tossing in some fruit like a banana, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. For added micronutrients, you could even toss in some spinach or kale (or even a greens powder). These items will help increase your total calories, without having most of your calories coming from poor nutritional choices and junk. Doing this will help you put on quality size while helping to keep added body fat to a minimum.
Tired of protein shakes? I wrote an article with the help of some athletes and celebrities that shows some of our favorite high-protein breakfast items that you can try. They are highly recommended and delicious!
Related Article: 5 Reasons to Stop Using Meal Replacements and Gainers
Now that you understand my reasoning why weight gainers are junk and how to get around their use, let me know your thoughts. Do you agree with my thinking that weight gainers are junk or do you use them and have found great success through their use? Let me know!
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