The drink in question is actually a powder.

Most of us college students know of muscle milks and powders. Muscle milks and powders are synthesized formulas made of amino acids (or protein), some levels of carbohydrates (or sugars) and sometimes even added fats, vitamins and/or minerals. When thinking of muscle milk, protein powder or whatever other name, people think of a great way to build muscle quickly. Manufacturers make the products sound more amazing to consumers by using clever marketing techniques, like over-exaggerative testimonials or eye-catching labeling that blatantly claims to make you bigger in no time. However, if you are simply relying on these substances for muscles to magically appear from within, you’ve probably already been - or will be - let down.

Your body requires a certain amount of protein on a daily basis. Going over that amount when your body has already fulfilled its needs can result in those extra proteins consumed being excreted from your body or used for purposes other than building muscle. Improving yourself in the right way takes time and patience, just like anything else, and by loading your body with supplements containing more protein than needed, you can actually cause more harm than good in the long run. This doesn’t mean protein powders can’t be used in a healthy way; it’s all a matter of knowing your requirements and trying not to exceed them by relying on these formulas. 

Overall, the best way to gain muscle mass is to develop a workout routine of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises, while consuming more calories with the correct proportions of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. 

So, have I convinced you to cut back on the supplements, yet? 

If not, maybe knowing that muscle powder is usually made from the leftovers of other food-making processes, like cheese, will help.

What about the fact that high-protein diets can cause damage to vital parts of the body, like the kidneys? 

Still not convinced? I’ll get you with this one -- the price! The amount of money you can save on not buying a big jar of this stuff can be spent on a nice steak for you and your girl, or boy, or for vegans and vegetarians, some peanut butter, fruit and Greek yogurt for an awesome protein-rich post-workout shake. 

Next time you’re leaving the gym after benching your 120 (technically around 140 because the bar counts too, right?), think about how you’re refueling and nourishing your muscles.