Protein Shakes – Things They Don’t Tell You On The Packet

In today’s image conscious world, more and more people are desperate for the ‘perfect’ body and will try almost anything to achieve it. Stopping short of undergoing surgery, most men decide the best way forward is to join a gym and start lifting weights. However, it often doesn’t take long before gym-boredom sets in, and the lack of progress can make some start to look around for ways to speed up the process… which can be when they first discover protein supplement drinks, and decide to give them a try.

The benefits of protein shakes are hard to argue with, and it has to be said that they can definitely help improve the growth of muscle when you use them as part of your regular workout regime. They’re not without their drawbacks though, and these are often overlooked when people decide to start using them.

3 Side Effects of Protein Shakes and How to Manage Them

The first drawback affects you before you even take your first drink – the cost. There’s a huge variety of manufacturers all producing similar products – a shake that provides you with an extra source of protein – and they’re all cashing in on your desire to improve your appearance. The cost you pay is way over the price of what goes into making the shake but, of course, if you’re happy to pay that’s your choice… Other sources of protein are available though – it’s quite easy to increase your intake by simply varying your diet, for example.

Next up, and the first thing you’ll notice when you drink your first shake, is the gag-inducing taste. Most manufacturers offer standard flavors such as strawberry chocolate and vanilla, but they don’t tell you about the bizarre cardboard like after-taste… as if they’re leaving it as a little “surprise” treat. You’re only drinking two of these a day though, and they’re not intended as dinner party cocktails, so gulping it down and holding your nose as you swallow is probably the way to go.

Not long after you’ve drunk your shake you’ll get the bloated feeling – particularly if you’ve just downed it in one, because of the taste. I’m convinced that shaking these drinks isn’t the best way to mix them – stirring them makes them less frothy, which means you’re not drinking down loads of air bubbles at the same time… so less bloat. If you’re taking a pre workout energy supplement drink at the same time, you’ll definitely want to try and avoid the bloated feeling – it’s not the best way to prepare yourself for a straining session of weights.

Lastly, if you’re taking these shakes for any sustained period of time you need to be careful you don’t overload yourself with protein. Make sure that your diet is adjusted to account for the prolonged increase you’re planning on taking. Your body can only consume so much protein at a time and if you’re overloading, you could develop digestive problems. Too much protein in your body could also deplete your body’s natural stocks of calcium and magnesium, which are both used in the protein synthesis process.