Protein shakes-wieght gain!

[jdifischer]

I have been drinking protein shakes in replace of a meal or two a day for the last three weeks. My workouts have been very hit and miss as I have a shoulder injury. Today I received a cortisone shot in the shoulder. It all started when I painted the entire house.

Anyway - ever time I have tried to drink protein shakes I gain weight! They are whey based and 8 lbs have piled on.

Has anyone else ever had this happen to them?

Thanks for any responses.
Dawn

 

[Juliebeth]

Hi Dawn,

I have never gained weight by using protein shakes, however I don't use them in place of a meal. I have one after a strength workout: one scoop whey protein powder mixed with ice, water and half a banana. 150 calories. It is my mid-morning snack on those days.

Could it be your body needs more real food & calories and is storing because it has gone into "starvation" mode? Even though you can't work out as usual, your body still needs nutrients...especially to heal that shoulder. (Ouch..sorry to hear about that!)

Julie

 

[teddy16410]

Dawn-
How frustrating!!!!
A couple of ideas:
1. Look at ingredients... High Sugar in many of them .... Different carb/protein ration... All Protein Powders are not created equal!!!
2. Did your daily caloric intake jump way up or way down when you started using? Sometimes in protein drinks I make an accidental 500 calorie smoothie! oops FLIP SIDE: Are your calories so low now that your body is in starvation mode? Even with less exercise we need to fuel the body.

Just some thoughts- Hang tough you'll get it figured out and the #s will come off!

 

[kathryn]

If your workouts have been 'hit-and-miss,' why do you think you need the protein shake? The shake itself won't build muscle, you have to work that muscle, then the calories from the shake will be more apt to go to building and repair rather than to just overall weight gain.

Of course, if you are taking in more calories than you are burning through activity or the thermic effect of food (the latter will decrease, because liquids don't take as much energy to digest as solids, but I wouldn't think that would have a huge impact) you will gain weight.

Stick with foods, and use the shakes when you are more physically active and feel you need a boost of protein.