Are you drinking protein shakes and want to build muscle but are not actively doing any workout activity at all? If you consume protein shakes without exercise, there may be health consequences: reduced muscle growth, weight gain, increased risk of kidney-related problems, and abnormally high blood sugar levels.

In this article, we will examine the effects of consuming protein shakes and answer the question, “Can you drink a protein shake without working out?” This question.

Advantages of Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are primarily consumed for two purposes: weight loss and muscle growth.

Protein is a key component of muscle and must be consumed in sufficient amounts to increase mass. The stress of resistance training damages the muscle fibers — after training, the body repairs the damage and builds new muscle, per the American Council on Exercise. This process can get going with a post-workout shake that is high in protein.

Build Muscles

Protein shakes are consumed by athletes and bodybuilders to build muscle, improve strength, and improve physical performance. A study found that adding protein supplements to healthy, active people’s diets, along with a balanced diet and appropriate exercise, can improve their performance and muscle mass.

Lose Weight

Protein takes the body much longer to digest than carbohydrates do. That explains why protein can be very beneficial in reducing hunger and reducing appetite.

Your protein shake intake can help you feel satisfied for a longer period of time and reduce food cravings. It reduces your propensity to consume extra calories as a result.

The good thing about protein shakes is that they are liquids, which don’t add much bulk to the stomach. Sometimes, protein shakes may also be used as a meal replacement.

Increase Protein Intake

When access to high-protein whole foods is scarce, this can act as a convenient source of protein for your diet.

Promote Quicker Muscle Recovery

Your muscles are put through stress during different workouts, particularly if you are doing resistance training. While you’re working, your muscle fibers are damaged, and when you’re at rest, your body repairs the damage and makes new muscle.

A quick source of amino acids that are simple for your body to absorb is offered by protein shakes. A more responsive muscle synthesis occurs after exercise as a result of increased amino acid intake.

Is It Bad to Drink Protein Shakes Without Working Out?

As can be seen, protein shakes provide the ideal post-workout nutrition.

They contain calories to support the process of synthesizing new proteins in the muscles, the protein necessary for obtaining the amino acids that will be combined to form new proteins to repair, rebuild, and strengthen muscle fibers, and, if there is fruit, yogurt, or another source of carbohydrates in the shake, it will also aid in refueling depleted muscle and liver glycogen.

But what happens if you consume a protein shake without working out? Can you consume protein shakes if you don’t exercise?

The effects of drinking protein shake without working out depend on four primary factors:

• The nutrition information for a protein shake will depend on the recipe.
• Your total diet (calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat), or what else you eat throughout the day.
• Whether or not you regularly exercise, as well as the types of exercises you perform.
• the frequency with which you consume protein shakes without exercising.

This is what will happen to your body if you drink protein shakes without working out:

Muscle Growth Stops

Protein shakes are used by athletes or bodybuilders to increase their protein intake. They can gain more muscle and maximize their workout thanks to the additional protein that protein shakes provide.

Where will the extra protein in your shakes go if you don’t work out? Your body will either store it as fat or excrete it in urine, which is then flushed down the toilet. If you don’t get the most out of it, drinking a glass of regular flavored drink is equivalent to drinking one of your protein shakes. Thus, take advantage of what your protein shakes can offer! Work those muscles; it will be worthwhile in the end!

Weight Gain

You’re drinking protein shakes to gain muscles, not to gain body fat! Protein shakes are sometimes mistakenly thought of as milkshakes despite their reputation as a healthy protein alternative. Why? Because some protein shake concoctions contain significant amounts of calories, sugar, cream, or ice cream.

Protein shake servings typically contain 100 calories or more. Imagine that’s roughly equivalent to 4 ounces of boiled potatoes or a half cup of cooked, boiled rice.

By including milk, fruits, vegetables, ice cream, or meat to your regular protein shake, you’ll be increasing the number of calories you consume! That will have 200–500 calories, possibly even more!

Causes Kidney Problems

Keep in mind that protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair. The body will demand more protein, especially if your muscles are constantly challenged by your regular workouts. The amount of protein your body needs to use to aid in your recovery is thus known to it.

Excess proteins are metabolized by your kidneys. Overeating protein can mess with the metabolism of your kidneys. According to specialists, eating a lot of protein can increase the pressure inside the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter blood than they once did. The kidneys may suffer long-term damage.

According to research, a high-protein diet won’t do much damage to your kidneys if you have a healthy pair that are still functioning. Thus, there’s not much for you to worry about unless you are advised by your licensed nutritionist that you should limit your protein intake due to a specific medical condition.

Summary

Depending on your preferences, schedule, and goals, you may choose to consume a protein shake every day. You can drink a protein shake if you intend to exercise every day to gain muscle mass. Plus, if you work out, you’ll get better results. However, if you don’t exercise, it’s best to advise you against drinking protein shakes because over time, instead of gaining muscle, you will gain weight compared to the amount of sugar it contains.