Will eating more protein make me bulky?

Protein, she says, is what your body needs to preserve lean muscle, recover faster and support your metabolism. If you're worried about accidentally looking like a bodybuilder overnight, she points out that building muscle takes time, consistency and serious intention. It doesn't happen by adding chicken to your lunch.

On Ep. 330, Nikkiey goes further: not eating protein is what makes you soft. She explains that toned really means muscle development plus fat loss, and protein is what gives you shape. Many women want to be toned but do the opposite of what gets them there, cutting food to 1,200 calories or leaning on endless cardio. That isn't toned, she says. That's just tired, stressed and burnt out. She also pushes back on the idea that protein doesn't matter in a calorie deficit; protein is how you protect your body while you lose fat.

On Ep. 378, WarriorBabe client Nausheen shares that she used to think protein was only for bodybuilders and avoided it because she didn't want to get bulky. After making it a priority, she didn't get bulky. She feels strong, and now she actually craves foods like chicken and Greek yogurt. If you've been undereating protein out of fear, the problem was the plan you were given, not your body.