If you’re wondering how many times you should take mass gainer a day, then you’ve came to the right place!
In this article, we cover how often you should take mass gainer, the pros and cons of taking mass gainer twice a day, the best way to take mass gainer twice a day, and more.
How Many Times Should You Take Mass Gainer A Day?
Mass gainer can be taken multiple times a day, however you’re more likely to experience side effects, like nausea, bloating, and tiredness. So, if you do experience these side effects when taking mass gainer, you should limit your dosage.
Benefits Of Taking Mass Gainer Multiple Times A Day
Increased Muscle Growth
The main reason people take mass gainer is to get bigger muscles.
Now, in order to get bigger muscles*, you need to be in a calorie surplus, and you need to consume plenty of protein.
So in short, you need to consume a ton of calories and a ton of protein if you want to build muscle.
Well, the good news is that mass gainer is loaded with calories and protein. So by taking it twice a day, your muscles will have even more fuel for growth. As a result, you will build bigger muscles by taking mass gainer twice a day.
*Besides training your muscles of course…
It’s More Time Efficient
Another reason why people take mass gainer is that they want to consume let’s say 3,000 calories, but they simply don’t have the time to prepare and eat 3,000 calories worth of food.
(As a rough guide, you’d need to eat around 6 meals of “clean” food to consume 3,000 calories.)
Since mass gainers contain around 1,000 calories per serving, by taking mass gainer twice a day, you’d only need to prepare and eat 2 meals to reach your calorie target. As a result, you’ll have more free time to do the things you love.
Drawbacks Of Taking Mass Gainer Multiple Times A Day
It’s More Expensive
Your typical tub of mass gainer sells for around $40 and contains around 8 servings.
Now, if you take mass gainer only on workout days, and you train 4 times a week, then you’ll need to purchase 2 tubs of mass gainer every month which will cost you $80 per month.
Whereas if you take 2 servings of mass gainer on workout days, then you’ll need to buy 4 tubs of mass gainer each month, costing you $160!
For most people, that extra 80 bucks would be better invested elsewhere, such as high-quality food.
(Discover why mass gainers are so expensive.)
You’re More Likely To Gain Fat
If you’re in a calorie surplus, you will gain weight. That’s a scientific fact.
But what kind of weight will you gain?
Well, a lot of the calories will be used by your muscles to help fuel muscle growth, which is what we’re aiming for, obviously.
But what happens if there are any excess calories that your muscles don’t need?
In short, the calories are stored as fat.
(This is an evolutionary trait which allowed the human species to survive. Back in those days, food was scarce, so we had to be super-efficient at storing energy for when we went long periods without food. Without this trait, humans would’ve become extinct.)
So by taking mass gainer twice a day, you’ll be in a bigger calorie surplus, meaning you’re more likely to store some of the calories as fat.
(This explains why mass gainer will make some people fat.)
You’re More Likely To Experience Side Effects
While mass gainer is a safe supplement for most people, it can cause some side effects, such as:
- Acne
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Tiredness
- Excessive pooping
Now, most of these side effects are due to the high amounts of sugar, creatine, and artificial sweeteners found in mass gainer.
So if you take 2 servings of mass gainer per day, you’re consuming even more of these ingredients, which can increase the likelihood of side effects.
How To Take Mass Gainer Twice A Day
Take Your Mass Gainer Around Your Workout
By taking mass gainer around your workout, you’re less likely to store the calories as fat.
This is because your muscles have a higher energy requirement around your workouts, so the calories will be prioritized by your muscles.
(Just don’t take it mid-workout or the puke fairy may visit you!)
Reduce Your Serving Size
To minimize the risk of side effects and gaining fat, you can take half a serving twice a day, rather than a full serving.
Just keep in mind that this may also reduce your gains!
How Often Should You Take Mass Gainer?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this as it depends on your personal goals and body weight.
If you’re super skinny, then you may benefit from taking mass gainer twice a day, every day.
(Although this probably isn’t healthy, sustainable OR affordable, long-term.)
Whereas if you’re an average weight and you want to maximize muscle growth, then you should take mass gainer once a day on training days.
Conclusion
In summary, there are pros and cons to taking mass gainer multiple times a day and it all comes down to your personal goals as to whether or not it’s a good idea for you.
That’s all for this article, but can you take mass gainer without working out? Or can mass gainer make you sick?
Hope this helped!
Sources
The Effects of Overfeeding on Body Composition
I’ve been in the fitness and strength training industry for nearly a decade. In that time, I’ve gained 30 pounds of muscle, written hundreds of articles, and reviewed dozens of fitness supplements. As for my educational background, I’m a currently studying for my Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
