Mass gainers as a recovery drink

Nutrition
1

Hi all,

Has anyone used protein mass gainers as a recovery drink during stage races? It seems like a convenient way to get loads of calories in that might be difficult to get in after each stage, especially when appetite starts to dip in the later stages.

Looking at few options such as Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass which provides 1250 calories, 250g of carbs and 50grams of protein which seems to be in a relatively balanced in terms of getting a 4/5 to 1 carb to protein ratio.

I am firm believer that whole foods are best but using shakes seems like they could provide easily deliverable nutrients as part of an overall plan.

2

Not a bad mix, but I’d opt for buying pure maltodextrin and whatever whey protein you want instead, but up to you. 80g carbs / 20g protein post ride is amazing to jumpstart the recovery process.

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3

The gainer I use for recovery has a 1:4 protein-to-carbs ratio, and I’ve found it to work really well.

For reference, something like Skratch Recovery Drink has around a 1:4.375 ratio, so it’s really close.

I typically use Naked Mass as a base and then adjust the ratios with Naked Pea protein if I need to, or other carbs via bananas/berries in a smoothie. :cup_with_straw:

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