Whey protein is associated with fitness and bodybuilding, so people hope to get bulging muscles when they start on whey supplements, but are shocked when they start to get bulging tires instead!

Yes, protein is important for muscle gain, but if you don’t take it correctly, your protein shake can make you fat. While your daily diet needs to be balanced and wholesome with all the food groups, you can supplement your diet with a daily protein shake, but avoid these common mistakes so that you gain muscle, not fat.

Whey Protein Mistakes That Cause Weight Gain

You’re Adding Too Much Whey Protein Powder To Your Shake
“Most people only require 1-2 scoops of whey protein powder a day”
The amount of whey powder you require will depend on your fitness levels, exercise regime, and your diet. Many people make the mistake of not counting protein from their daily diet, consequently adding too much whey protein powder to their shakes.

It would be a good idea to find out how much protein you require in a day, so that you know just how many scoops of whey protein you should add to your shake – most people need just 1-2 scoops of whey protein a day.

You’re Choosing The Wrong Protein Powders

“Protein shakes aren’t meant for taste – flavored varieties contain preservatives, fructose, sugars, & artificial sweeteners”
Before you choose a protein powder, make up your mind as to whether you wish to consume protein shakes to get in shape or for their great taste! Good protein shakes don’t taste great, which is why many brands market flavored varieties.

Unfortunately, with the improved taste also comes a higher risk of weight gain, as these powders are likely to contain preservatives, fructose, sugars, and artificial sweeteners.

Your Protein Shake Is Too Rich

“Your protein shake doesn’t have to be deliciously creamy, just healthy will do!”
Whey protein does give your shake a slightly “powdery” consistency and so you might be tempted to throw in some sugar, chocolate, nuts, or peanut butter to disguise the taste – this is about the worst thing you can do!

These ingredients contain added sugars and will drastically increase the calorie count of your protein shake. This is one of the most common whey protein mistakes made by beginners.

The best way to have whey protein is with nothing but water and ice cubes, and maybe a dash of cinnamon for taste. Keep in mind that your protein shake doesn’t have to be deliciously creamy, it needs to be healthy!

You’re Cheaping Out On The Protein Powder

“Cheap protein powders tend to have higher carb & fat content, while they are low in essential amino acids”
Cheaper protein powders are often also loaded with carbs and fats, while they are deficient in amino acids, which are essential for healthy muscle growth. This significantly impedes muscle growth and to an extent performance as well.

As a direct consequence, you will be forced to use more protein powder for the same gains, but because of the increased caloric intake from higher consumption, you will also gain weight.

If you’ve experienced weight gain since you started your whey protein shakes, you might also need to increase the intensity of your workout sessions. There is plenty of research that proves that whey protein will help you gain muscle… but only if you have it correctly!

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