Calorie Supplementation: The Answer for Hardgainers
When trying to lose weight, most people count calories. It is a proven formula that [Calories In] – [Calories Out] = [Weight Change]. Since the popular health goal in America is weight loss, calories have received a negative reputation. How often do you see advertisements touting the all familiar term “Low Cal”? It is ingrained in our brains that calories are bad. But what about the skinny teenager trying to build some muscle? His goal is completely opposite those who want to lose weight. In the case of a hardgainer, the target should be a massive calorie surplus, rather than a deficit.
Some individuals have a very difficult time gaining weight. They eat as much as they can, even when they aren't hungry, and still can't seem to put on any pounds. Welcome to the life of a hardgainer. While hardgainers are mostly teen-aged boys, anyone that has a fast metabolism and trouble gaining weight is considered a hardgainer. A high-calorie weight gainer supplement is just what these type of individuals need. Due to an unusually rapid metabolism, food-source calories alone are simply not enough to cause weight gain. A high-calorie and high-protein supplement is needed to tip the scales and start fueling muscle growth.
Weight gainer supplements should not be used by everyone. This type of supplement works great for the true hardgainer, but may not be right for people with other body types and different metabolisms. If your goal is to gain muscle, it does not automatically qualify you to take a high-calorie weight gainer. If you carry even a little extra weight, or have trouble staying thin, you would be better off just taking a regular protein supplement. With a regular protein shake, you can get the same amount of protein, but with two-thirds fewer calories. This will help you maintain and build muscle, without adding extra flab to your gut.
A weight gainer should only be added to your diet if other means of gaining weight have proved ineffective. If you are new to weight lifting, spend a few months eating more and lifting harder before you turn to calorie supplementation. Also, try using a basic protein supplement before adding in a weight gainer. Furthermore, if you have a BMI over 22, you probably don't quite qualify as a hardgainer, and might want to re-think using a weight gainer supplement.
If you decide to try a high-calorie weight gainer supplement, here are a few product suggestions:
- Body Fortress Muscle & Weight Gainer – Probably the best value; you can pick up 2lbs for ~$12 at your local Target or Wal-Mart.
- GNC Mass XXX – You can grab 6lbs for just over $50 from your local GNC store.
- Ctyosport CytoGainer – Probably the highest rated, best tasting and most popular weight gainer supplement around.
Remember to lift hard while taking a product like this. Taking a weight gainer without doing any weight lifting will likely cause nothing but fat gain.
