Will Protein Powder Make Me Bulky?

There are a lot of myths circulating about the effect that protein has on your body. One common question people ask is: will protein powder make me bulky? You may also wonder if protein is necessary to make progress when working out, how much you should be consuming, and why it’s important. This blog post will help answer some of those questions and address some common misconceptions.

What is protein?

Protein is one of three groups of macronutrients that your body needs to carry out basic functions (the other two are carbohydrates and fats). Protein is comprised of different types of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle, tissue, bone, skin and cartilage. Without protein, we literally could not exist!

How much protein do I need to eat?

The amount of protein you need to eat to stay healthy depends on your age, sex, weight, activity levels, and fitness goals. We all need a certain amount of protein to carry out our daily activities, repair muscle, and stay active, but the amount can vary widely. There is also a limit to the amount of protein that your body can process, so if you eat too much, it will go unused. Essentially, too much protein can be a waste of your daily caloric intake. For more info on your specific needs, check out this Healthline article. 

Should I be using protein powder?

Protein powder has become increasingly popular for several good reasons. Protein powder is a convenient, fast way to make sure your protein needs are being met. When you purchase a high quality supplement, it should contain all 9 essential amino acids, which can be tricky to get in a regular diet, particularly if you’re vegan. Protein powders are also fast to digest, and can significantly enhance muscle gain when consumed post-workout. While it is entirely possible to get enough protein from meats, eggs, cheeses, plants, and grains, many people find that a daily scoop of protein powder is the easiest way to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

So, Will Protein Powder Make Me Bulky?

In short, the answer is no! When you consume extra protein, your body takes what it needs to repair existing muscle and build new muscle- nothing more, nothing less. Getting bulky happens through intense training combined with extra protein intake, not dietary choices alone. Protein is simply the raw material your body needs to develop extra muscle, not the reason why it builds it. When adding extra protein to your diet, just make sure to take to factor in the extra calories you’re consuming to avoid unwanted weight gain.

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