Will protein shakes make me put on weight?!
Question: I've just started working out again and have noticed that it's harder to build up my muscle definition than it was 5 years ago. I'm 22 now and a friend of mine gave me protein shake mix and told me it would help. But someone else told me that they are just for body-buiders and will just make me put on more weight. Should I drink them or toss them?
PS: I am trying to shed a few pounds as well as tone up.
Answers: I've just started working out again and have noticed that it's harder to build up my muscle definition than it was 5 years ago. I'm 22 now and a friend of mine gave me protein shake mix and told me it would help. But someone else told me that they are just for body-buiders and will just make me put on more weight. Should I drink them or toss them?
PS: I am trying to shed a few pounds as well as tone up.
Drink about half of what is suggested a few hours before working out if you are having trouble building muscle but don't want to gain weight. Or...a healthier option would be to make sure you are eating some good lean protien during the day (grilled chicken breast, beans, lentils, dark leafy veggies like spinach)
I don't think a protein shake will be the right fit for you. Everyone I have ever known to take those gained weight...but they wanted to as well.
They will add calories. And if you don't burn if off by working out could lead to fat over time. You need some extra calories to build muscle. I don't think it's neccessary. I would say concentrate on the rest of your diet instead of supplementing. Because that's what protein shake is. A supplement to your existing diet.
Any food eaten out of moderation will make you put on weight. This is especially true if your exercise schedule is not that demanding. My suggestion would be to eat enough calories to sustain your workouts. Try to consume 1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kg of body weight. Be sure to include weight training lifts that involve the most muscle mass. And finally, buyer be aware on supplements. Not sure what really exists in those shake mixes?
You can try them, depends on which one you have some are high in calories and others are lite. Mixed with water and berries or half of a banana in a blender will give you a low calorie shake.