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Protein Powder Is (Probably) A Waste Of Time
Why protein supplements might not be worth it for the average person
“Have you got a protein supplement yet?” the personal trainer asks, glancing up from his checklist to meet my eyes. “We might need to work it into a diet plan”, he explains, noticing my hesitation.
I’ve just signed up for a gym for the first time in my adult life, and I’m meeting with a personal trainer to get my exercise plan together. I’m not as unfit as I once was — at this point, I’m 85kg, down from 115kg a few years earlier — but still can’t do a single pull-up, which I’ve set as my fitness goal.
“No”, I say, and he ticks another box. We move on to my current exercise regimen (lacking) and my diet (poor).
Protein powders are as ubiquitous in the exercise world as sweat. Every muscle-bound hulk at the gym chugs down a chalky blend of protein, water, and magic before or after their workout. We are told that this one simple dietary intervention can do the impossible.
It can make us stronger. Build more muscles. Make fitness less a dream and more a wonderful reality.
