Muscle Building

Creatine

Creatine is the most researched supplement in the world when it comes to increasing lean body mass. It isn’t doing anything to directly signal an increase in muscle mass (like hormones would do). Instead, it helps you get a couple more reps in your workouts by boosting the energy source muscle cells use with performing exercises like weight lifting.

This version of creatine called creatine HCL, I have found to be much easier on my stomach than the more common version - creatine monohydrate. It is a bit more expensive, but the difference in gut stress, for me, far outweighs the cost difference.

Meal Replacement Shake

When you’re trying to gain weight or even just increase some muscle, it can be tough to meet your daily goal for protein intake. That’s when I look to supplementation. This complete meal shake from Animal sources all it’s ingredients from real food- stuff like sweet potato, beef, eggs and even olive oil. This is one of my all time favorite shakes because I love the fact that I can recognize (and pronounce) the ingredients, it tastes fantastic and that it mixes really easily in a shaker bottle. I’m also a dairy free person as is this shake. That can be difficult to find in a whey protein powder world.

It’s important to point out that this is high in calories because it’s meant to be an entire meal. It’s not just a protein source, but also carbs and fats.

If you’re in the market for a non-dairy shake, look no further, this is it.

Vegan, Gluten, Dairy Free Mass Gain Shake

This meal replacement / weight gain shake from Naked. Is a great option for people who avoid meat, dairy and gluten. When you have limitations in your diet, finding enough calories from sources that move you toward your goal of increasing muscle mass is challenging. This shake can help you keep on track and avoid the pitfall of eating just carbs or junk food to increase daily calorie intake.

One thing I like to manipulate on mass gain shakes like this is the serving size. At first glance it serves you up an enormous 1280 calories per shake! Too much for most people. When you look closer though you can also notice the serving size is 4 scoops. For me, cutting that in half and just mixing 2 scoops for 640 calories is just about the sweet spot. Add in the fact that your stretching your supply of this container to twice the servings of what someone taking a full amount would get and your winning!

Lastly, similar to the Animal Balanced Meal shake above, this company prides itself on using whole food for its ingredients. I always look for this when choosing a shake and recommend you do too.