Do You Need Protein Powder To Workout, Build Muscle And Get Ripped?
Experts suggest eating 5-6 meals every 2-3 hours when trying to build muscle. In a perfect world that would likely help most of us recover and build muscle. I think the amount of meals one should consume also depend on body type and metabolism. Protein powder can help you reach your 5-6 meals a day if that’s your goal. But strive to make most of those 5-6 meals real food. That doesn’t mean 5-6 huge meals I think that’s a misconception. Eat balanced portions. Meal and diet planning are a whole other enchilada.
So many different diets. Most based on counting something calories, macros, carbs or fats. Creates a world of confusion for the person looking to start or continue on their fitness journey.
Here is Rich Piana on FOOD VS PROTEIN POWDERS & WEIGHT GAINERS
There will always be exceptions.
I’ve read of people who work out hard, then eat only one giant meal a day and they are super buff.
One of my cousins has never touched a supplement (creatine, bcaas , nothing.) He is so proud of that. He never even even drank a protein shake in his life. He is naturally very active, works 2-3 jobs and goes to the gym 1-2 times a day for a little bit. No meal plan. No workout plan. Runs home (literally at times will run for miles back to his house) and just eats whatever food is laying around, a banana, piece of bread, left over rice and beans. Yet he is jacked and strong with no supplements. He drinks a lot of water (unfiltered tap water). There will always be exceptions.
Learn from the exceptions.
African Body Builder Kulbila Samuel does not use protein powders or supplements.
So what does he consume? What makes him look like he can smash thru a wall as easy as the Kool-Ail man can?
Kulbila Samuel typical meals in one day:
Meal 1: ‘Hausa koko” and “koosay” (Millet porridge and bean balls)
Meal 2: Six egg whites, two bananas, and slightly cooked oats.
Meal 3: Rice, yam, plantain or “eba”, cocoyam leaves sauce with smoked fish (tuna, salmon, or catfish) and avocados.
Meal 4: Rice, yam, plantain, tomato stew, two whole boiled eggs, and green beans.
Read more about him on Generation Iron link below.
This African Bodybuilder Is More Jacked Than You Without Supplements
WATER: Your main supplement should be lots of water and nutrient dense foods.
Here is an example of an extreme Ectomorph and “hardgainer”
Its his 2 year transformation without protein shakes.
Bottom line is that most of us can build muscle without having to chug protein powder. However, protein powder makes it easier for most people to hit their target protein intake.
