What happens if I workout but don't eat enough protein?

Author: Dr. Lucius Fisher MD  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don't get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.

What happens if you dont eat enough protein while working out?

When you train, your muscle tissue breaks down, and without adequate calories and protein in your diet, your muscles won't have the materials they need to rebuild. And if you're under-fueled while working out, protein from your muscles will actually become fuel for your body to continue running on.

Can you still gain muscle if you don't eat enough protein?

No it is not possible to gain strength or muscle mass without protein. Think of protein as your muscles food. If you don't feed your muscles they can't grow and will become weaker and weaker. You also run a much higher risk of injury. You should be aiming for . 7 to . 8 grams of protein per lbs of body weight.

Can I build muscle without protein?

No, it is not possible to build muscle without sufficient protein intake. Protein is an essential nutrient for muscle growth and repair, and without enough of it, your body will not have the necessary building blocks to build and repair muscle tissue.

What happens if you workout but don't eat enough?

If you don't eat after a workout, it can lead to problems such as low energy, dehydration, poor muscle recovery, low electrolyte levels and low mood. Additional symptoms that can arise as a result of not eating after exercise include muscle weakness, muscle fatigue, muscle cramps and irritability.

What Happens If You Don’t Eat Enough Protein While Bulking?

What happens if you exercise a lot but eat unhealthy?

Whether you work out longer or at a higher intensity, exercise can't completely reverse the effects of a bad diet, expert say. There's also an increased risk for premature death if you exercise but neglect healthy eating.

How much protein do I need a day?

The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day. If you're over age 40-50.

Will I lose muscle if I don't eat protein?

When on a weight loss journey, lack of protein is a huge culprit of muscle loss. “Our bodies don't store protein like other nutrients, so it's important to eat the right amount every day,” says Kate. “Everybody is different and will have different protein requirements.

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.

What makes muscles grow faster?

Increase the intensity of your workouts instead of working out for long periods of time. Make sure you're getting enough calories and protein in your diet for muscle growth. Get plenty of sleep and give your muscles time for recovery. Try supplements for more strength, energy, and power, like creatine and HMB.

What happens if you lift weights but don't eat protein?

If you regularly hit the gym but don't consume adequate protein, your body will struggle to repair and grow muscle tissue effectively. Protein plays a crucial role in muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance.

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.

Which food is high in protein?

Try to eat protein foods such as:
  • eggs.
  • lean meats and poultry. lean cuts of beef, pork and wild game. turkey. ...
  • nuts and seeds. peanuts. almonds. ...
  • fish and shellfish. trout. ...
  • lower fat dairy products. milk. ...
  • beans, peas and lentils. brown, green or red or other lentils. ...
  • fortified soy beverages, tofu, soybeans and other soy products.

Can you build muscle with low protein?

The amount of muscle you build is dependent on the amount of protein you take in at that meal. Eat a little protein, build a little muscle. Take in more protein, build more muscle...but only up to a point.

What might the 5 signs of a protein deficiency be?

Top 10 Signs You Might Be Protein Deficient
  • Weakness and Fatigue. ...
  • Hair Loss and Brittle Nails. ...
  • Frequent Illness and Slow Healing. ...
  • Swelling (Edema) ...
  • Cravings and Increased Appetite. ...
  • Muscle Loss and Joint Pain. ...
  • Mood Changes and Mental Fog. ...
  • Skin Problems.

What happens if you work out every day?

Exercising too frequently can also lead to strained or pulled muscles in the legs or a reduction in joint mobility around the shoulders and hips, especially if you aren't slowing down and taking time to stretch regularly.

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.

What are the symptoms of too much protein?

  • You Always Have to Pee. If you feel like you always have to pee, it could be because you eat too much protein. ...
  • You Feel Like You're in a Funk. ...
  • You're Constipated. ...
  • Your Weight Is Creeping Back Up. ...
  • You're Tired All the Time. ...
  • You Have Bad Breath.

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.

Why am I gaining weight on a high protein diet?

If you consume more protein but don't work out, you're still likely to gain weight due to increased calorie intake. However, the resulting weight gain is likely due to fat vs. added muscle mass. More muscle mass adds to overall body weight, and muscle is denser than fat.

What happens if you gym without protein?

Lifting and doing strength training without adequate nutrition, especially without enough protein, can actually lead to loss of muscle tissue. Furthermore, if you aren't eating right you won't have the energy to do the workouts that lead to muscle gain.

Do you lose fat or muscle first?

Unfortunately, that's a misleading and oversimplified statement. That's not what science has shown us for a long time. The real answer is, it's complicated. Yes, your body will burn fat before it starts breaking down significant amounts of muscle.

How do I know my protein intake?

Calculate protein intake by body weight.

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend 1.2 to 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2.

What is 30 grams of protein for breakfast?

Here is a list of foods that provide roughly 30 grams of protein: 1.5 cups of Greek yogurt (opt for unsweetened and add your own toppings) 1 cup cottage cheese. 5 large eggs, or 2-3 eggs mixed with extra egg whites.

How much protein do you actually need to build muscle?

Average person: Recommended intake is about 0.8 grams per kilograms for most adults. (1 kg = 2.2 pounds) Person with diabetes: Protein intake for a person with diabetes is also about 0.8 grams. Build muscle: Recommended intake is 1-1.5 grams per kilogram.

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