Is it true that eating too much protein will make you fat?

We wanted to address the age-old question of “Will Too Much Whey Protein Make Me Fat?”

Protein is one of 3 macronutrients, Fats and Carbohydrates being the other two.  1g of Protein will generate 4 calories, 1g of Carbohydrates will also generate 4 calories and 1g of Fat will generate 9 calories.  Everything we eat, with the exception of some artificial food ingredients or additives, are, at their root, made up of these 3 macronutrients (either Protein, Fats or Carbohydrates). Think of these 3 macronutrients are the building blocks of the food we consume.  Excess calories, whether from Carbohydrates or Fats are stored as Fat for an energy “reserve” that we can tap into if needed.

Excess calories from Protein, however, behave differently.  Protein is made up of Amino Acids that are broken down and absorbed by our body through digestion. These Amino Acids enter our bloodstream and circulate throughout our body repairing and growing torn muscle fibers and tissue cells as needed.  Research in the area of Protein digestion points to a widely believed theory that these Amino Acids remain in our bloodstream for a period up to 24 hours; after which point, any excess Amino Acids not utilized for muscle or tissue repairs are flushed out of our system and not stored as fat.  With that said, it is prevailing wisdom that excess Protein will simply not be stored as Fat.

However, one thing to be aware of is the plethora of additives, sweeteners and other Carbohydrates and Fats found in the ingredients typically mixed with Whey Protein Powders (Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, Fruits, Berries, Bananas, Nuts, Milk, etc.) These Carbs and Fats add to our overall daily caloric intake. These calories if not utilized through activity and exercise can be stored as Fat for a future source of energy.  We only make unsweetened and pure protein blends.  Never with any artificial ingredients, flavors, or additives.

We’ve even developed a powerful Protein Calculator you can use to figure out exactly how much Protein you need per day.  All fully customizable based on your unique input, fitness activities, and overall goals!