Though much of the focus these days seems aimed at losing weight, there are plenty of people who have good reason to want to add pounds instead of subtracting them. A wide variety of health conditions can cause severe weight loss, leading to a host of complications that can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Solutions are available, however, and they’re probably easier to access than you might’ve imagined.

Addressing medical issues often requires a prescription from a health care professional, but there are many over-the-counter options for those looking to gain weight, including meal replacement shakes. Continue reading as the nutrition shake experts at ENU discuss effective ways to put on weight without a prescription.

The Basics of Weight Gain

It may be a bit of an oversimplification, but weight management (whether you want to gain, lose, or maintain your weight) generally relies on a fairly straightforward equation. Your body takes in a certain number of calories each day, and it burns a certain number as well; if you take in more than you burn, you gain weight, and if you burn more than you consume, you lose weight.

Other factors come into play as well, of course – level and frequency of physical activity, genetics, metabolism, just to name a few – but the basic principle tends to hold true regardless. So what products are most effective for helping you tweak the equation and gain weight? The simplest answer, and probably the most obvious, is food.

Increasing caloric intake by a few hundred calories per day is a surefire way to gain weight, but the types of foods you consume matter a great deal. Eating sugary snack foods will certainly cause you to gain weight, but in the form of unhealthy body fat that will ultimately undermine your overall health. Instead, focus on finding wholesome sources of the three important macronutrients – protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Over-the-Counter Options for Weight Gain

While food offers a straightforward way to gain weight, it is not always the best option for everyone. Those suffering from a reduced appetite or who simply don’t want to eat more have other options that can prove more effective, namely dietary supplements. However, the shelves of many a drug store are filled with supplements of varying efficacy, and knowing which ones are best suited for your particular needs can be difficult. Here are some of the best types of supplements for weight gain, regardless of your situation:

Powdered Protein Supplements

Powdered supplements of all kinds are very easy to integrate into your diet because they can be combined with almost any common beverage. This makes them simple to prepare and consume anytime, ideal traits for a dietary supplement. Protein powder is perhaps the most popular type of this product. It is a beloved nutrition supplement for athletes and bodybuilders the world over for its ability to boost muscle mass, a benefit it can provide to even those who are not athletically inclined. Whey protein is the most common, and also considered the tastiest by many.

Meal Replacement Shakes

Another convenient and effective way to encourage weight gain is through the use of nutrition or meal replacement shakes. These beverages typically contain the number of calories found in a small meal, but their liquid form makes them easy to fit into a busy schedule or an already filling diet. Adding one of these shakes to your diet means you’re adding calories, an important part of any weight gain regimen. As with all food products, though, make sure you read the ingredients label and nutrition facts. Avoid shakes that are low in calories – aim for at least 300 calories per beverage – or that contain unhealthy additives like corn syrup.

Ingredients to Look for When Trying to Gain Weight

Although more calories – whether they come from food, supplements, or meal replacements – are crucial to weight gain, knowing what to eat or drink is equally important. Protein, fats, and carbs are well-established as the three pillars of nutrition, but they come in so many forms that it can be tough to identify healthy ingredients.

Generally speaking, natural, unprocessed forms of the nutrients are the best for you. Protein from low-fat foods like fish and poultry, or from supplemental sources like whey or soy, are effective without adding excess amounts of additives or fillers. Fats should come from heart-healthy, unsaturated sources like olive oil or coconut oil. Carbs should come in a mix of simple – for short-term energy – and complex – for long-term energy – ideally derived from whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.

ENU Meal Replacement Shakes Offer Balanced, Wholesome Nutrition

When selection a product to add to your daily calorie count, consider meal replacement shakes from ENU. With 20 grams of protein from whey and soy, plus healthful fats from coconut and sunflower oils and carbs from rice, quinoa, and tapioca, ENU products are more than filler for your diet; they’re a gateway to a healthier lifestyle. To learn more about all of our products and how they can help you achieve your health and fitness goals, visit us online or call us at (855) 266-6733 today.