Do You Actually Need Whey Protein For Body Building
Written by Sam James
With the growing popularity of protein supplements, it is becoming more and more tempting to buy a bunch of big label products that claim to let you surge in size because of their special blend of ingredients.
Is there truth behind some of these statements? In some ways, yes. A lot of whey protein shakes now come with creatine in them, and this does actually help improve the rate at which you build muscle. However, a lot of the weight you suddenly put on will be because of the water retention caused by creatine. You have to be aware that you haven't suddenly gained 2 pounds of muscle in a week, it's just water weight that will disappear again once you stop using creatine. So if you're willing to try out creatine, buying a protein supplement that has a blend of whey protein and creatine has it's advantages and disadvantages.
Even though creatine does provide benefits, in my opinion, it's not necessary. It feels like a burden having to gain unnecessary water weight which reduces your tone and definition. People may notice your fast increase in size, but when you stop supplementing with creatine and that water weight disappears, losing that artificial size is a bit embarrassing.
Whey protein should be the only ingredient you want in your protein shakes. Purchasing a blend of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate will offer quality proteins but should also be affordable. You don't have to go for the most expensive brands and at the same time you shouldn't go for the cheapest you can find, somewhere in the middle offers good enough whey protein.
Just remember that whatever advertising you read on the labels of protein shakes, you can get more vitamins and better results from eating plenty of actual food. Protein shakes are certainly useful when you need an instant fix of protein and energy, for example directly after your workout.
However, don't be swayed by all the advertising and spend loads of money on shakes because your drinking them non stop. Have your shakes in moderation and spend your money on making your diet have as much good food as possible. If you have a bad diet, protein shakes won't help you build muscle. If you have a good diet, the addition of protein shakes can be useful. Protein shakes are supplements at the end of the day and are by no means a necessity to build muscle fast.
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