Should I drink protein even if I don't workout?

Author: Hildegard Keeling  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Protein is essential for supporting muscle recovery on rest days. It's important to consume high-quality protein sources on non-workout days to optimize recovery. One high-quality protein source to include on both active and rest days is protein shakes.

Is it okay to drink a protein shake even if you don't workout?

Absolutely! Protein shakes aren't exclusive to workout days. On non-workout days, they remain a valuable ally in maintaining muscle mass, aiding in recovery, and ensuring a steady supply of essential amino acids.

Do you need protein if you don't workout?

Yes, consuming protein even when not working out is important for several reasons: Muscle Maintenance: Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass. Even on rest days, your body requires protein to repair and maintain muscle tissue.

Should I eat protein even on days I don't work out?

Eat your protein frequently through the day, all days a week, including those you are not working out on. The Muscle protein synthesis that you have stimulated the days you worked out on will still be at play kn your off days, so there is no reason as too why you should lower your protein intake on those days.

Will protein make me gain weight if I don't work out?

Definitely not. There's no food that can make you gain weight by itself. It's the overall calorie balance what determines whether you gain weight or not. Protein is in fact the most important macronutrient for muscle building and body composition.

When Should You Take Your Protein? | Nutritionist Explains... | Myprotein

What happens if I eat a lot of protein but don't work out?

You can't build muscle without the exercise to go with it. The body can't store protein, so once its needs are met, any extra protein is used for energy or stored as fat. Excess calories from any source will be stored as fat in the body.

Is it okay to drink a protein shake every day?

If you do not have any digestive problems or food sensitivities, you may be able to drink a protein shake every day. Because the protein powder in protein shakes is not regulated the way drugs and food are, the long-term side effects of drinking protein shakes are unknown.

How much protein is too much?

The researchers found that consuming more than 22 percent of daily calories from protein carries more downside risk than dietary benefit. For a normal adult, 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal, or 60 to 90 grams of protein per day is adequate to support health.

Should I drink a protein shake before bed?

The Bottom Line. To conclude, not only does a protein shake make for a healthy late-night snack, but its benefits are augmented when consumed before going to bed. Improved muscle recovery, appetite control, enhanced strength, and muscle preservation are some of the benefits of late-night protein shake intake.

Do muscles grow on rest days?

Downtime between workouts (whether you're lifting, doing cardio or training for a sport) is when our bodies have a chance to actually build muscle. Strenuous workouts cause muscle breakdown, while rest allows our bodies to build it back up.

What happens if I only drink protein shakes?

And if you rely too much on protein shakes to replace daily meals, you'll miss out on the healthy benefits of whole foods. Since protein has calories, consuming too much can make it harder to lose weight.

Does protein burn fat without exercise?

Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition concluded that adequate protein intake can support healthy weight loss without exercise through various mechanisms: Satiety: Protein-rich foods tend to be more filling, which can help control appetite and reduce overall calorie intake.

What are the side effects of taking protein powder?

Excess intake of these proteins can also cause increased bowel movements, bloating, and even nausea. Other side effects include flatulence and diarrhea. If taken in excess quantities, protein supplements can cause you to gain weight. And by weight, we mean fat.

Do I need protein if I'm not working out?

If you're not working out, your protein needs may be lower than someone who is regularly exercising. However, you still need protein for essential bodily functions, such as building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and maintaining a healthy immune system (Phillips, 2017).

How much protein to lose weight?

Eating 0.36 grams of protein daily per pound of body weight is fine for the average adult. But for those looking to lose weight, eating between 0.81–1.23 grams of protein daily per pound of body weight is better — especially if you're also exercising, which you're likely doing if you're trying to lose weight.

Can I drink protein by itself?

While some people choose to 'dry scoop' their protein powder onto their tongue directly from the container and then swallow it without liquid accompaniment, this practice is not recommended due to potential health risks associated with direct ingestion of large particles of proteins without first breaking them down ...

Is it bad to drink a protein shake without working out?

It can Lead to Long Term Health Consequences

It's like having a habit that could affect your body over time. Without exercise, the extra protein from the shakes might not be used well by your body. This could lead to issues like gaining too much weight or not having enough muscle strength.

How much protein do I need a day?

How much protein do I need a day? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is a modest 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. The RDA is the amount of a nutrient you need to meet your basic nutritional requirements.

Should you drink a protein shake right when you wake up?

The most effective times for drinking your protein shake is first thing in the morning after you wake up, and then again immediately following your workout.

Is 200g of protein a day too much?

Regularly consuming 200 g of protein per day is generally too much. If a person consumes 200 g of protein in one day, it is best to adjust their protein intake for the rest of the week accordingly.

Is 100g protein enough to build muscle?

It's simple: The more you move, the more protein your muscles need to recover and grow. If you don't do frequent intense workouts, 80 to 100 grams of protein will be sufficient. You may need a bit more if you weigh more than 250 pounds.

What to avoid in protein powder?

Ingredients to avoid
  • Multi-ingredient products. Some protein powders include additional nonprotein ingredients. ...
  • Sugar, sugar alcohols and other sweeteners. Many flavored protein powders contain added sugar. ...
  • Heavy metals.

Will I lose weight if I drink 3 protein shakes a day?

Most studies indicate that yes — protein shakes can be good for encouraging weight loss when used in moderation. In fact, one study found that not only do protein shakes encourage fat loss, but they can also help you to both retain and build lean muscle, helping you to increase strength and definition [2].

Do I need protein on rest days?

Consuming enough protein on your rest days is just as, or perhaps even more, important as consuming it on your training days. Generally speaking, your total protein goals for the day should not change whether its a training day or a recovery day.

Previous article
Can I tell my therapist I find them attractive?
Next article
How to fix hair that is too blonde?