Last Updated on January 21, 2022 by Local Trainer

3 common protein mistakes.

Yes we’ve all heard we should eat more protein or at least make it a part of our diet but how much, how often and what type of protein are also important parts of this picture. Also, there are areas where we might get stuck or are unsure about what is the right thing to do. Here are a few of those common protein mistakes you might run into.

Common Protein Mistake #1

The first mistake we see as trainers with protein is people feeling as if they have to eat tons of it. This is the most common issue with so many diets promoting tons of protein at present.

People believe that they must be lots of protein and that protein is good for them and that no amount of protein is too much. Keep in mind that  if you’re looking for weight loss, you may not have to eat much more protein than you’re already eating at present.

Eating excess protein can leave some people feeling a bit sluggish and or bloated. Make sure that your amount of protein intake is sufficient, not in excess. If it’s in excess, you’re simply once again taking in needless calories and taxing your organs to do extra work that isn’t necessary.

Common Protein Mistake #2

Another common belief that goes with the need to eat excess protein is that you must eat extra protein if your want to build muscle. In my opinion, this really isn’t true. If you want to build more muscle, you’re going to do that in the gym. Your internal systems can allot extra protein to your muscles if need be from the current diet you’re on right now.

If your body was giving you a certain amount  of protein before you started exercises and weight training and just discarding the rest of it, your body can ramp it up and give you more protein once your muscle requirements go up so start with your normal diet and see how you do first.

As an aside to this mistake, it’s also common to try to add big hits of protein after a workout or at dinner. We tend to think that a big steak will build a whole pile of muscle at once for us. In reality, muscle is built over time so it’s better to have a balanced diet feeding us the nutrients we needs consistently versus taking in a bit hit here and there randomly.

Protein mistake #3

Supplementing with large amounts of protein shakes and protein bars and other protein based synthetics.

Again, this just falls in the category of not really being necessary. Clients are often asking whether or not they should have a protein shake or a protein bar after they’ve finished the workout. Unless you are in dire need of huge muscle mass, the meal up coming will be just fine to satisfy your caloric and protein needs.

If it’s going to be a really long time until your next meal, you’re better off reaching for a healthy snacks instead of a protein bar such as:

  • 1 apple and some almonds
  • A bit of Greek yogurt and berries
  • Wasa cracker and some hummus
  • A piece of brown bread and some Natural peanut butter
  • Any combination of these above options.

The point here is that you’re reaching for a natural healthy option and not getting sucked into the marketing of the more synthetic, pricey and unnecessary post workout snack.

Spotting these simple protein mistakes will help you refine your intake of this macronutrient and avoid wasting it’s benefits to your health. Protein is an important part of a healthy diet and figuring out it’s proper place in your eating plan can really improve your overall muscle and fat levels.

If you want to figure out the exact amount of protein you should be eating, it’s best to talk to a registered dietitian.

Best of health,

Local Trainer