So, you have decided you would like to gain weight. For some people, that is easier said than done. If you have trouble gaining weight, a mass gainer can be a convenient way to increase your daily calorie intake. Mass gainers are designed to deliver a high-calorie, macronutrient-rich formula in a convenient powder format. But how do they work? In this article we answer all the questions you need to know about mass gainers so you can get the most out of your training and nutrition.
What is a Mass Gainer?
A mass gainer is a supplement designed to deliver a high volume of calories conveniently. This is ideal for people who have trouble eating enough food to meet their caloric needs, or who simply want a convenient way to fit extra calories into their diet. They consist of protein, carbohydrates and fats in ratios designed to make it easier to hit your desired macros as part of a weight gain nutrition plan.
What is in a Mass Gainer?
Mass gainers consist of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Carbohydrates are usually in the form of slow-release complex carbohydrates such as sweet potato and chia seeds. The carbohydrates in a mass gainer serve two purposes: they help fuel your body before a workout and replenish energy stores after a workout, and they contribute to your overall daily calorie intake. Protein is the next most important ingredient, providing the amino acids your body needs as part of a training and nutrition routine. Mass gainers also contain healthy fats to provide an additional source of calories and support general health. Some mass gainers will also contain creatine as part of the formula.
What Does a Mass Gainer Do?
Mass gainers deliver a high volume of calories across a balanced macro profile of carbohydrates, protein and fats. The primary role of a mass gainer is to make it easier to reach a caloric surplus through your diet, which is a key principle of any weight gain nutrition plan. Each serve of Emrald Labs Post Mass contains roughly 634 calories, making it a convenient and practical way to increase your daily intake.
How Does a Mass Gainer Work?
A mass gainer works by providing your body with extra calories and nutrition in a convenient, easy-to-consume format. The second role is to deliver a balanced macro profile that supports your training and nutrition goals. The third role is to make it quick and easy to reach your daily calorie targets. While it is possible to get the same number of calories from whole food sources, a mass gainer makes it fast and convenient.
What is the Difference Between Mass Gainer and Protein Powder?
Protein powder is designed to be primarily protein with some added ingredients for flavour. A mass gainer contains calories from multiple macronutrient sources and is designed to deliver carbohydrates, protein and fat in a higher-calorie formula. A typical serve of protein powder will contain between 100 and 150 calories, whereas a mass gainer will typically contain upwards of 500 calories per serve.
Why is mass gainer expensive?
Mass gainer can appear expensive for two reasons. Firstly, quality mass gainers use higher-quality carbohydrate sources rather than cheap sugars. Secondly, they come in large containers that contain a significant number of total calories. When you compare the cost per calorie to buying equivalent whole foods, the value is actually quite reasonable. A bag of Emrald Labs Post Mass contains a substantial number of total calories at a competitive price point for the quality of ingredients included.
When to Use a Mass Gainer
Many people find that taking a mass gainer after a workout works well as part of their nutrition routine, as this is when the body benefits most from replenishing energy and protein stores. You can also take a mass gainer at other times of day to help meet your daily calorie targets, such as between meals or before bed as part of your evening nutrition routine.
Can a Mass Gainer Replace Meals?
A mass gainer can be used as a meal replacement in a pinch, although we suggest taking it in addition to regular meals to help you reach your daily calorie targets as part of a structured nutrition plan.
Does Mass Gainer Make You Fat?
A mass gainer by itself will not cause unwanted fat gain. However, if you are consuming a caloric surplus it is important to be performing regular physical activity such as resistance training as part of your routine. Consuming excess calories without exercising may lead to unwanted changes in body composition over time.
Will a Mass Gainer Support My Training Goals?
Your body needs two things when it comes to adding muscle mass. First, it needs physical stimulus from resistance training. Second, it needs sufficient calories and protein to support that training as part of a structured nutrition plan. A mass gainer can help you meet your daily calorie and macro targets, but it works best when combined with a consistent training routine.
Does Mass Gainer Work for Skinny Guys?
A mass gainer can be very beneficial for people who struggle to gain weight. The hardest challenge for those with a fast metabolism when it comes to gaining weight is simply eating enough food. A mass gainer makes it easier to consume additional calories in a convenient format as part of a broader nutrition plan focused on a caloric surplus.
Do Mass Gainers Increase Belly Fat?
Targeted fat gain in specific areas of the body is not really how nutrition works. If you are training regularly and not significantly exceeding your calorie targets, a mass gainer used as part of a structured plan is unlikely to cause disproportionate fat gain. As with any supplement, it works best as part of a balanced diet and regular training routine.
Which Mass Gainer is Best for Bulking?
Emrald Labs Post Mass contains a blend of natural carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats designed for those looking to support a clean bulk as part of a resistance training routine. It comes in five delicious flavours, and as with any supplement, the one you enjoy taking consistently is always going to be the best option for you.
Where to Buy Mass Gainer
You can buy mass gainer directly from Emrald Labs, either by itself or as part of our strength stack. Post Mass is also stocked at Elite Supplements stores Australia wide.
