If you are underweight, your doctor is likely to recommend dietary changes in order for you to gain weight healthfully. Choose nutrient and calorie dense foods to pack on the pounds without compromising your health. Like weight loss, weight gain should be done at a slow and steady rate of 1 to 2 lbs. weekly. If dietary changes are not helping you put on the weight, your doctor may recommend healthy weight gain shakes.
Features
Healthy weight gain shakes should not have high amounts of saturated fat, sugar and sodium. It should also contain a blend of vitamins and minerals to meet your nutritional needs. Read product labels before you purchase a weight gain shake. Keep in mind that weight gain shakes do typically include common allergens, such as soy, eggs and milk.
Types
Your doctor may recommend several well-known brands of liquid supplements for weight gain. Some examples include Boost, Boost Plus, Ensure and Ensure Plus. Generic versions of these shakes are available as well. The Plus versions have more calories than the original type. Ready to drink and concentrated formulas are available. Average number of calories per serving is between 200 and 360. Drinking two to three shakes daily can put you on track for a weight gain of 1 to 2 lbs. weekly.
Function
A healthy weight gain supplement should be consumed in liquid form. When you consume liquids, gastric emptying time is reduced. This improves the rate of calorie absorption. Liquid supplements for weight gain should not be consumed with meals. To be effective, you should drink the weight gain shakes between meals to add in extra calories.
Considerations
If you want to add more calories to a weight gain shake, add in extras during preparation. Fruit and fruit juices blended with the shake can increase your calorie intake and help you reach your goal weight. Additional foods to add healthy calories include nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and wheat germ.
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