Gaining weight in America often feels like going against the grain, since so much of the weight-related discussion in popular culture revolves around losing weight, rather than gaining it. Still, there any number of reasons why a person might seek to put on pounds – illness can cause rapid weight loss that must be mitigated, for instance. That said, there are some methods of weight gain that can be quite unhealthy, even for those who are underweight, while other methods can provide wholesome, sustainable weight gain over time. Meal replacement shakes for weight management are one example of a product that can help ensure healthy weight gain, but what ingredients should you look for in these beverages? Keep reading as the people at ENU discuss that very topic.

How Does Weight Gain Work?

Anyone looking to adjust their body weight should be aware of the fact that this process is based around a simple calculation: If you take in more calories than your body needs, you will gain weight; eat fewer calories, and you’ll lose weight. Of course, this is a somewhat oversimplified representation – factors ranging from height and weight to muscle mass and medical conditions can affect how calories are processed and stored – but this equation serves as the foundation for both weight loss and weight gain.

So how do meal replacement shakes factor into this dietary arithmetic? Like any other source of calories, they can tip the scale one way or the other, depending on how they’re integrated into a person’s diet. Those looking to gain weight should think of these handy beverages as supplements to a healthy, balanced diet; rather than using them to replace meals, as someone who wanted to lose weight might do, try adding a shake or two as a between-meal snack, or drink one after eating as a treat.

Meal replacement shakes are a good option for adding calories in this way because they are typically designed to be a well-rounded source of nutrients. This idea stands in contrast to sugary drinks and junk food that will add calories to your diet at the price of your overall health; foods high in saturated fats and sugars may lead to weight gain, but in the form of harmful visceral fat, not to mention the hike in cholesterol and damage to the heart. When adding calories, the balanced, healthy option is always the better one.

Ingredients to Look for in Meal Replacement Shakes for Gaining Weight

Each of the three big macronutrients – protein, fats, and carbohydrates – serves an important role in weight management, whether your goal is to raise your body weight or lower it. The amounts of each should vary, however, and the source of each definitely matters. Below are some of the most importnat ingredients in meal replacement shakes:

Protein

This key nutrient may be the most important for those looking to gain weight in a healthy way, especially if they are recovering from some ailment. Protein is a fundamental element of the body’s healing processes, and it’s used in the growth and preservation of muscles after exercise. People in need of a diet involving meal replacement shake for cancer patients should be sure to look for a shake with plenty of protein, and both patients and athletes can benefit from protein that is easily digested; whey protein is perhaps the best form of protein supplement for either application, as it is quickly absorbed by the body and put to use. Maintaining a healthy level of protein in your diet can ensure that the weight you gain is in the form of muscle, rather than fat – part of why it’s a major component in nutrition shakes for athletes.

Fats

Though they get a bad rap, fats are nonetheless an essential part of our diet – even more so for those who want to gain weight. Because fats are calorie-dense, they can pack a lot of energy into a small amount of volume, but the wrong kinds of fats can be detrimental to your health. Steer clear of shakes that are high in saturated fats and instead aim for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil; these will give you plenty of calories to help with weight gain while improving blood cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart disease.

Carbohydrates

Everyone has heard of diets that skip carbs in favor of other nutrients, but most of us really do benefit from having these in our diet – as long as they’re the healthy sort. Carbs supply a ready source of energy for the body and provide something to run on aside from muscle tissue, which helps you preserve the muscle mass you’ve managed to obtain. Keep in mind that cnrefined carbs that come from whole grains are superior to those offered by sugar or corn syrup; seek out meal replacement shakes that include grains like brown rice and quinoa.

Meal Replacement Shakes to Boost Healthy Weight Gain

ENU meal replacement shakes contain 20 grams of protein from whey and soy isolates; complex carbs supplied by brown rice, tapioca, and quinoa; heart-healthy fats from coconut and sunflower oils; and a blend of more than 20 important vitamins and minerals. A nutrition shake from ENU makes for an excellent supplement to your daily calorie intake any time of day. To learn more about all our products and how ENU can help you reach your weight and fitness goals, visit us online or call (855) 266-6733 today.