What Is the Best Protein for Gaining Muscle Without Getting Fat

What Is the Best Protein for Gaining Muscle Without Getting Fat

The short answer is "there is no best protein for gaining muscle without getting fat."

What makes you gain fat is eating more calories than your body uses, because part of the excess energy (food) will be converted into fat, leading to an increase in weight and body fat.

However, if you know how to eat properly, there are ways to gain muscle mass and limit unwanted weight gain.

In this post, we will explore the best protein sources in both supplements and food, and how to calculate your proper protein and calorie intake to increase muscle mass without getting fat, or without gaining unnecessary fat in the process.

How Much Protein

Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for sedentary adults (Source: WHO).

However, for people who do strength training and/or are over 40 years old, the recommendation usually increases to 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Protein in Supplements

1. Whey Protein:

   • Benefits: Fast absorption, rich in essential amino acids, especially BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).
   • Ideal For: Post-workout due to its rapid digestion and absorption.

2. Casein Protein:

   • Benefits: Slow digestion, provides a steady supply of amino acids.
   • Ideal For: Consumption before bed to support muscle recovery overnight.

3. Soy Protein:

   • Benefits: Complete protein source for vegetarians and vegans, rich in BCAAs and glutamine.
   • Ideal For: Plant-based alternative that is also heart-healthy.

4. Mixed Plant Proteins:

   • Benefits: Combination of different plant sources (pea, rice, hemp) for a complete amino acid profile.
   • Ideal For: Vegetarians and vegans looking for a complete protein.

Protein in Food

Animal Protein Sources

1. Chicken and Turkey:

   • Benefits: High in protein and low in saturated fat.
   • Ideal For: Main meals, excellent for increasing muscle mass without adding extra fat.

2. Fish (Salmon, Tuna):

   • Benefits: Rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
   • Ideal For: Main meals, with additional benefits for cardiovascular health.

3. Eggs:

   • Benefits: Complete protein, rich in essential amino acids.
   • Ideal For: Breakfasts and snacks, easy to prepare and versatile.

4. Dairy Products (Milk, Greek Yogurt):

   • Benefits: Source of protein and calcium, important for bone health.
   • Ideal For: Breakfasts and snacks, easy to integrate into the daily diet.

Vegan Protein Sources

1. Tofu and Tempeh:

   • Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, and versatile in the kitchen.
   • Ideal For: Main meals and side dishes, can be marinated and cooked in various ways.

2. Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Beans):

   • Benefits: High in protein and fiber, excellent protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
   • Ideal For: Main meals and side dishes, contribute to satiety and weight control.

3. Quinoa:

   • Benefits: Complete protein source, contains all essential amino acids.
   • Ideal For: Side dishes or salad base, easy to cook and very nutritious.

4. High-Protein Vegan Yogurts:

   • Benefits: Made from soy, almond, or coconut, enriched with additional protein.
   • Ideal For: Breakfasts and snacks, an excellent alternative to dairy yogurts.

5. Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Chia, Hemp):

   • Benefits: Rich in protein and healthy fats.
   • Ideal For: Snacks or additions to main meals and shakes.

Calculating Your Protein Intake

To maximize muscle gain without gaining extra weight, it's important to calculate your daily calorie and protein intake. Use our Basal Metabolic Rate and Total Daily Energy Expenditure Calculator to determine how many calories you need based on your age, sex, weight, height, and activity level.

Calorie Control and Weight Gain

Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn. To avoid unnecessary weight gain, make sure to:

• Maintain a Calorie Deficit or Balance: Adjust your calorie intake to match your muscle gain and fat loss goals. (For example, eating your maintenance calories but with a higher percentage from protein, and always maintaining muscle training).
• Balance Macronutrients: Ensure your diet is balanced in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
• Exercise Regularly: Combine your protein intake with an appropriate training regimen to maximize muscle gain and minimize fat storage.

Conclusion

Choosing the best protein is not complicated if you consider total calorie intake and protein ratio. Both supplements and protein-rich foods can help you gain muscle mass without gaining unnecessary weight, as long as you maintain a proper calorie balance and follow an effective training program.

We hope this guide has been useful! Share your experiences and tips on protein intake in the CLIPIN fitness community Discord.