Introduction

You have started going to the gym and begin lifting weights to pack those muscles. However, no matter how much you work, you just cannot put on weight, and that is why you have opted for a mass gainer supplement. Mass gainers are calorie-rich products aimed at skinny clods who often have issues with putting on weight. But at what point in time should one consume mass gainer for the best results? Does timing matter?

There are also some things that you should understand regarding mass gainer including the fact that the time that you take it may also determine its efficacy. You would like your body to get the most out of the protein, carbs, calories, vitamins and minerals that are in the mass gainers formula. Continue reading to find out when it is most effective to consume mass gainer supplements.

Morning

Mass gainer can also be taken in the morning before breakfast when the stomach is still empty. With the onset of night and sleep, you fast for 6-8 hours without consuming any food in the morning. Your body is, therefore, in a state that is almost fasting, and many of its cells are not getting the food they need.

Drinking a Mass Gainer shake for breakfast is great because your body can utilise all of those nutrients without any interference from other food. Those calories, protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals all contribute to feeding your body and muscles.

It also helps in kick starting your metabolism in the morning, and that too when you are in bed. Calories can put life back into your metabolic rate. This is helpful in getting your body into an anabolic muscle-building mode to kick-start the day.

Pre-Workout

The other perfect time to consider taking mass gainer is before your exercise time, which is half an hour to an hour before you exercise. It is also the time that your body can use those calories and nutrients for energy, strength, endurance and focus during the gym session.

The mass gainers contain both fast and slow-digesting carbohydrates together with proteins. The latter are called fast carbs since they offer energy almost instantly. Protein contributes amino acids for its aim of lowering muscle loss during training.

Mass gainers work well when taken prior to exercise since they boost your performance. It allows you to lift heavier weights, work harder, and advance overload to prompt further muscle development. The mass gainer taken just before working out is important in ensuring that your body reservoirs are full.

Post-Workout

Another ideal time to take a mass gainer is within 30 to 60 minutes after you have completed working out. By now, your muscles should be devoid of glycogen – the stored carbohydrate that the body uses for energy. They may even be slightly injured from the rigorous training exercises.

Since mass gainers are rich in macronutrients, providing the body with the necessary nutrition is the first step towards recovery and development. The simple carbs help to restock glycogen to replenish muscle energy within the shortest time possible. This protein contributes essential amino acids that assist the muscles to rebuild their tissues.

Many mass gainers also include additional supplements such as creatine and branched-chain amino acids that enhance the product’s impact. If you consume mass gainer after the workout, you arrange yourself for faster recovery and muscle build up, more strength and growth.

Before Bed

Last but not least, having a mass gainer half an hour to one and a half hours before bedtime is very effective. Once again, this is a situation where your body will spend 6-8 hours without any more food in the system because you are asleep.

If you want to take a mass gainer shake, it is best to do it at night when you are fasting to get a slow release of nutrients. Even when you are relaxed, your body and muscles keep on absorbing those protein, carbs and much more. This keeps your muscle proteins in a positive balance and keeps you in the anabolic zone.

For this, the casein or the slower digesting proteins in mass gainers are preferable. The casein breaks down slowly and releases amino acid into the body, thus avoiding muscle loss when one is asleep. The nutrients are useful for muscle maintenance and repair throughout the night.

Conclusion

As demonstrated, nutrient timing plays an important role in the effectiveness of mass gainer supplements. Taking into consideration the above considerations, the best times of the day will vary depending on personal preferences and the individual’s daily routine. Each of the mentioned times: morning, pre-workout, post-workout and night – has a list of advantages. Thus, consuming mass gainers several times a day before and after the training session seems to be ideal for most consumers. Try out what suits you best!

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FAQs

1. When is the worst time to take mass gainer?

The worst time is at night, especially before going to bed, especially when the stomach is full. It means that your body will not absorb all those calories and nutrients as it is supposed to do. Some of it may be utilised to replenish glycogen stores as energy expenditure is generally low due to inactivity, and much of it may be stored as fat.

2. Is it legal to consume mass gainers on an empty stomach?

Yes, it is possible to consume mass gainer supplements even when you are on an empty stomach. This makes it easy for your body to absorb and metabolise all the protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients, as no other substance is allowed in the process. The best times are in between waking up in the morning and before exercising.

3. If you’re looking to gain mass, how much mass gainer should you consume daily?

There are guidelines on the correct amount to take depending on your weight, fitness level and training program given by most mass gainers. However, a standard serving is in the range of 1-2 scoops blended with 8-12 fl. oz of water, milk or juice. The majority do not require over 400-800 calories from Mass Gainer daily. Consumption only converts those additional calories into fat deposits in the body.

4. If you only consume the mass gainer once a day, what will happen?

It is advised to take your mass gainer supplements only once a day, preferably after your workouts or, at least, within an hour of your workouts. This enables your muscles to replenish protein to repair and build up again with glycogen replenishing carbs to fuel up as well.

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