Should You Take Mass Gainer Every Day?

Mass gainers are supplements designed to help you gain weight and muscle mass by providing a high amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and sometimes fats.

These supplements are popular among bodybuilders, athletes, and individuals who struggle to consume enough food to meet their caloric needs.

This brings us to the central question of this article: should you take mass gainer every day?

In this article, we will delve into the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating mass gainers into your daily routine, and determine the optimal times and methods for using them.

How Many Times Should You Take Mass Gainer A Day?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since it depends on various factors such as your goals, body type, metabolism, training intensity, and dietary intake.

However, we can provide some general guidelines and examples based on different scenarios and situations.

The number of times you should take a mass gainer varies depending on your individual needs and preferences. Some factors that influence this decision include:

• Your goals: Are you aiming for rapid weight gain and muscle mass, or a more gradual increase? The more aggressive your goal, the more frequently you may need to take a mass gainer.
• Your body type: Do you have a fast metabolism and a hard time gaining weight? If so, you may benefit from taking a mass gainer more frequently than someone who gains fat easily.
• Your metabolism: A high metabolic rate means you need to consume more calories to gain weight and muscle mass compared to someone with a low metabolic rate.
• Your training intensity: Intense and frequent workouts require more calories and nutrients for muscle recovery and growth. In this case, you might need to take mass gainer more regularly.
• Your dietary intake: The amount and quality of food you eat affect how often you should take a mass gainer. If you get enough calories and protein from whole foods, you may not need a mass gainer as often as someone who struggles with their diet.

Let’s consider a couple of examples:

If you’re a skinny person who wants to gain 10 pounds of muscle in a month, trains hard four times a week, and struggles with eating enough food, you might need to take a mass gainer twice or three times a day, in addition to your regular meals.

Conversely, if you’re a muscular person looking to gain 5 pounds of muscle over two months, train moderately three times a week, and maintain a balanced diet, you might only need to take a mass gainer once a day, preferably after your workout.

Remember, each individual’s situation is unique, so it’s essential to adjust your mass gainer intake based on your specific needs and goals.

Stay attentive to your body’s response, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional for personalized advice.

When Should You Take Mass Gainer?

The timing of mass gainer intake can make a difference in how well it works for you.

In this section, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking mass gainer before or after a workout, and on rest days.

Before or After Workout

• Before a workout: Taking mass gainer before a workout provides you with extra energy and nutrients to fuel your performance and prevent muscle breakdown. However, it may cause stomach discomfort, bloating, and nausea if taken too close to your workout. It can also interfere with your appetite and make you eat less food later in the day.
• After a workout: Consuming mass gainer after a workout helps replenish your glycogen stores, stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and speed up your recovery. Yet, it may delay your hunger and make you skip your next meal if taken too late in the day. It can also add unnecessary calories and fat to your diet if you already eat enough food after your workout.

The best time to take mass gainer before or after a workout depends on your personal preference, tolerance, and schedule.

A general rule of thumb is to consume mass gainer at least one hour before or within one hour after your workout, and adjust the amount and frequency based on your goals and results.

On Rest Days

Taking mass gainer on rest days helps maintain your calorie and protein intake and prevent muscle loss.

However, it may lead to fat gain and metabolic slowdown if you consume too much or do not adjust your food intake accordingly.

It can also cause digestive issues and nutrient imbalances if you rely on mass gainer as your primary source of calories and protein on rest days.

The ideal time to take mass gainer on rest days depends on your daily calorie and protein needs and your eating habits.

A general suggestion is to consume mass gainer once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and/or before bed, and reduce the amount and frequency based on your activity level and results.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Taking Mass Gainer Every Day

Taking mass gainer every day can have both benefits and drawbacks for your health and fitness.

Benefits of Daily Intake

Mass gainer have a positive impact on your health and fitness, especially if you’re struggling to gain weight or muscle mass.

Here are some benefits:

• Increased calorie and protein intake: Daily mass gainer intake supports your weight and muscle gain goals by providing an easy and convenient way to consume more calories and protein than you can get from food alone. This is particularly helpful if you have a busy schedule, poor appetite, or a fast metabolism.
• Improved performance, recovery, and strength: Mass gainers supply your body with energy, nutrients, and creatine, which can help improve your exercise performance, recovery, and overall strength.
• Prevention of muscle loss and maintenance of metabolic rate: Mass gainers provide essential amino acids that promote muscle growth and prevent muscle breakdown. They can also help preserve your muscle mass and metabolic rate during periods of calorie restriction, such as when you’re cutting or dieting.

Potential Drawbacks

However, daily mass gainer intake can also have some negative effects on your health and fitness.

Let’s discuss a few potential drawbacks:

• Fat gain and health problems: If you take too much mass gainer or don’t exercise enough, excess calories and fat can lead to weight gain and obesity. This can also increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and liver damage by raising your blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
• Digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies: Overconsumption of mass gainers can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially if you’re allergic or intolerant to some of the ingredients. Additionally, mass gainers can crowd out your food intake, causing you to miss out on important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in whole foods.

Remember, the key to effectively using mass gainers is moderation and maintaining a balance between your mass gainer intake, whole food consumption, and exercise routine.

Who Should (And Should Not) Take Mass Gainer Every Day

Taking mass gainer daily is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the decision to include it in your diet should be based on individual goals and circumstances.

Let’s explore who should consider taking mass gainer every day and who should avoid it.

Suitable Candidates for Daily Use

If you fit the following profile, taking mass gainer every day might be a good option for you:

• Hard gainer or skinny guy: You struggle to gain weight and muscle mass, even with a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine.
• High metabolism: Your body burns calories quickly, and you need extra nutrients to sustain your activity level.
• Bulking phase: You have set a specific goal to gain a certain amount of weight and muscle mass within a timeframe, such as for a sport or personal challenge.
• Compatibility: You have no medical conditions, allergies, or intolerances that would prevent you from consuming mass gainer supplements.
• Monitoring: You’re committed to tracking your progress and adjusting your intake and exercise regimen accordingly to avoid excessive fat gain and health issues.

For example, if you’re a skinny person aiming to gain 15 pounds of muscle in three months for a bodybuilding contest and have no allergies or health issues preventing you from taking mass gainer, using it daily could support your weight and muscle gain goals.

Those Who Should Avoid It

On the other hand, you should avoid taking mass gainer every day if you fall into any of these categories:

• Natural weight gain: You easily gain weight and muscle mass or are overweight or obese.
• Slow metabolism: You have a lower activity level and can get sufficient calories and protein from your diet alone.
• Satisfied with your physique: You’re happy with your current weight and muscle mass and have no specific goals regarding muscle gains.
• Medical conditions & intolerances: You have health conditions like diabetes or lactose intolerance, which make consuming mass gainer supplements inadvisable.
• Lack of monitoring: You don’t plan to track your progress or make necessary adjustments to your diet and exercise routine.

For example, if you’re a person with diabetes and lactose intolerance aiming to lose body fat while gaining some muscle, you should avoid taking mass gainer every day.

Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in protein and fiber from whole foods, coupled with cardio and resistance training.

Tips for Using Mass Gainer Every Day

Taking mass gainer every day requires careful planning and consideration to avoid unwanted side effects and achieve optimal results.

Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing and using mass gainer every day:

Choosing a High-Quality Brand

Not all mass gainers are created equal, and some may contain low-quality ingredients, artificial additives, or harmful substances that can affect your health and performance.

It’s essential to choose a high-quality brand that meets your needs and preferences. Here’s some factors to consider when selecting a mass gainer brand:

• Calorie, protein, carbohydrate, and fat content per serving
• Source and quality of the protein (e.g., whey, casein, soy, or pea protein)
• Type and amount of carbohydrates (e.g., maltodextrin, dextrose, or oats)
• Presence and dosage of creatine, glutamine, BCAAs, or other supplements
• Flavor, texture, and mixability of the product
• Price, availability, and customer service of the company
• Expiration date, storage conditions, and safety seals of the product

For example, suppose you want a mass gainer with around 500 calories, 50 grams of protein, 75 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fat per serving.

Look for a whey-based protein, a complex carbohydrate source, and a mass gainer product containing creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs.

You might opt for a brand like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass after reading positive reviews and exploring other products.

Adjusting Intake Based On Goals and Training

Taking mass gainer every day doesn’t mean taking the same amount and frequency daily. Instead, adjust your intake based on your goals and training, and monitor your progress and results.

Here are some factors to consider when adjusting your intake:

• Current and desired weight and muscle mass
• Daily calorie and protein needs, and daily calorie and protein intake from food
• Training intensity, frequency, and duration, and recovery time and quality
• Body fat percentage, and fat gain or loss rate
• Health status, and blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels

Suppose you want to gain 15 pounds of muscle in three months and currently weigh 150 pounds with 15% body fat. You need around 3,000 calories and 150 grams of protein per day to achieve your goal.

Take one serving of mass gainer (500 calories and 50 grams of protein) after your workout on training days and another serving before bed on rest days.

Continually monitor your body weight, body fat percentage, and blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, making adjustments accordingly.

Maintaining Balanced Macronutrient Intake

When taking mass gainer every day, it’s essential not to neglect other macronutrients such as carbohydrates and fats.

Maintain a balanced macronutrient intake that supports your health and fitness goals.

Some factors to consider when maintaining a balanced macronutrient intake:

• Type and quality of the carbohydrates and fats you consume
• Timing and distribution of the carbohydrates and fats you eat
• Ratio and proportion of the carbohydrates, protein, and fat in your diet

For example, if you consume 2,000 calories and 100 grams of protein from food and 1,000 calories and 100 grams of protein from the mass gainer, you’ll need to eat around 300 grams of carbohydrates and 67 grams of fat per day.

Choose high-quality sources like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, or dairy. Consume your carbohydrates and fats before or after your workout, or throughout the day, as needed.

Stick to a 40/30/30 macronutrient ratio (40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat), ensuring each meal or snack contains balanced amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will taking a mass gainer every day make me too big?

It can contribute to significant weight gain, but how much you grow depends on your diet, exercise routine, and individual metabolism.

Can I take a mass gainer if I’m not working out?

You can take a mass gainer without working out, but for best results, it should be combined with strength training exercises.

Do I need to take the whole serving of mass gainer every day?

The amount of mass gainer you need depends on your calorie needs to gain weight; it’s not always necessary to take the full serving size daily.

Could taking a mass gainer cause any side effects?

Mass gainers might cause side effects like bloating or discomfort if they add too many extra calories or conflict with dietary sensitivities; start with smaller servings and adjust as needed.

How many scoops of mass gainer per day?

The number of scoops of mass gainer per day depends on your individual goals and caloric needs.

Generally, start by following the manufacturer’s recommended serving size and adjust according to your own progress and needs. Make sure you’re getting a proper balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

What is the best mass gainer for skinny guys?

The best mass gainer for skinny guys would be a product with an adequate amount of protein, a quality carbohydrate source, and minimal fillers or harmful ingredients.

It’s also helpful if the product is third-party tested. Keep in mind that different people may respond to different products, so it’s essential to experiment and find the one that works best for you.

When should you stop taking mass gainer?

You should consider stopping taking mass gainer when you’ve reached your desired weight or muscle gain goal.

Another indicator is when you start to feel excessively full or bloated from the mass gainer. Remember, it’s essential to continue eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet even after you stop taking the supplement.

Can I take mass gainer with milk or water?

You can definitely take mass gainer with either milk or water. Mixing your mass gainer with milk may provide additional calories, protein, and nutrients, which can be beneficial if you’re trying to gain weight.

On the other hand, mixing it with water can be a lighter option, especially if you’re consuming multiple servings per day or have any lactose intolerance concerns.

Can I take mass gainer with other supplements, such as whey protein, creatine, or BCAAs?

Yes, you can combine mass gainer with other supplements like whey protein, creatine, or BCAAs.

However, make sure you’re not overloading on any one nutrient, as that could lead to imbalances and potential side effects.

Conclusion

Deciding on a daily mass gainer regimen is personal and should align with your unique calorie demands and fitness aspirations.

Remember, while supplements can bolster your journey to muscle building, they’re not a substitute for nutrient-rich meals.

Always listen to your body’s cues and adjust your intake accordingly so that you strike the right balance for optimal health and growth.

Consider consulting a doctor or nutritionist for personalized advice, and always follow the product’s instructions and precautions carefully.