Protein Shakes That Help You Gain Weight

Protein shakes can help you boost your calorie intake, contributing to healthy weight gain. Commercial protein shakes sometimes contain calories in the form of added sugars along with supplements that may not be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because each 1 lb. of weight equal to 3,500 calories, you need to consume about 500 calories over and above what you burn daily to gain 1 lb. per week. Make healthy, high-calorie protein shakes to help add these extra calories and achieve your weight-gain goals.

Whey Protein Shake

Whey protein is a derivative of milk and offers an easily digestible protein with a complete profile of amino acids. A favorite of athletes, look for whey proteins without added sugars or other carbohydrates. Blend together a large, frozen banana, 1 cup of strawberries, 2 scoops of whey protein -- containing 15 to 20 g of protein per scoop -- and 12 oz. of skim milk for a smoothie with 485 calories and between 38 and 50 g of protein.

Vegan Protein Shake

If you follow a diet plan that does not include animal products, you can still consume a high-quality protein shake for weight gain. Blend together 1 cup of frozen pineapple, 1 cup papaya, 4 tbsp. of hemp protein powder, 2 tbsp. of flaxseed meal, 1 cup of water and one banana. Add a few ice cubes to thicken the texture. This smoothie contains 450 calories and 15 g of protein.

Nut Butter Protein Shake

If you do not have any protein powder on hand, you can use nut butter to boost the calories and protein content of homemade shakes. Use a large banana, 1 1/2 cups of soy milk, 2 tbsp. of almond butter and 1 cup of frozen peaches to create a shake with 515 calories and 15 g of protein. The almond butter also provides vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus to your diet.

Raw Protein Shake

Raw dieters do not eat foods cooked above 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Protein shakes can be a mainstay of this eating style as they offer an uncooked, convenient way to include essential nutrients. Sarma Melngailis and Matthew Kenney in "Raw Food, Real World" provide a recipe for a bee pollen protein shake that provides a complete profile of amino acids, along with potassium and B vitamins. Blend together 1 tbsp. of almond butter, 1 cup of coconut water, 1/2 cup diced mango, one frozen banana, 2 tbsp. of hemp protein, 1 tbsp. of bee pollen, 1 tbsp. of raw honey and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract. This smoothie contains 500 calories and 10 g of protein.