After a long break I went back to the gym and decided to use only trusted whey and creatine. In just two months I saw the progress that used to take me six months when I didn't have proper nutrition in college. There was no pressure to get a perfect body quickly, so I could enjoy juggling long work hours and gym sessions (skipping the gym only when I worked more than 12 hours). The problem is supplements are still seen as a taboo here – everyone talks about "powder‑khaa ke banayi hui body". My mom didn't like it much but she didn't argue because I was paying for it myself. My girlfriend, however, went completely mad, repeatedly trying to get me to stop the two supplements, and her mother joined in, saying protein makes you balloon, harms the brain, causes heart attacks in gym‑goers, and that doctors advise against it. She also asked why I don't get all my nutrition from food. I don't like eating huge portions, and non‑veg is practically forbidden on many auspicious days, with sales even banned sometimes. So daily eggs or chicken are out, and people claim meat "increases body heat" and makes you violent. Now I'm stuck trying to convince my loved ones that I'm not taking harmful chemicals or steroids that will kill me overnight. I'm still searching for those "doctors" who claim whey and creatine are dangerous for a normal person, but I doubt I'll ever find the origin of the rumours that daily non‑veg is bad. The headache is real.
The issue started with low‑quality products that actually harmed people's bodies, especially when combined with heavy‑bulk workouts. Right now, stop trying to convince everyone – you can't. Just track your routine and body closely and make quick adjustments when needed.
Eat in private and keep the supplements locked in your gym locker or something.
Live your life – you only have one. Follow what feels true to you.
No offense, but are you really sure you want someone that clueless as your girlfriend?
I just calmly start a discussion about why they think it's bad. If they get a bit heated, I calm them down and continue. I explained everything and showed the results – my hair and skin improved a lot. Now even my mom takes 70‑80 g of protein daily, including one scoop of whey.
At the end of the day they just want what's good for me; they just lack knowledge. So tell them the facts. And if anyone else questions, just say, 'I also do cocaine,' (jokingly) to make them see the absurdity.
Just tell them 'Anpad logo se baat hi nhi krni' and move on.
I find it funny how people believe random out‑of‑context stuff without even Googling it or spending five minutes to focus on a topic voluntarily.
Respectfully, ask them to run 100 m and watch how quickly they get out of breath – that'll make the point. Jokes aside, show them this image.
Protein builds muscle, and muscle is life. Most of the taboo comes from seeing ultra‑jacked bodies like Eddie Hall's, and Indian parents fearing their kids will turn into monsters. Explain that what you're doing is different and how protein supports the process. Sharing a simple animation about muscle building from YouTube can help.
(https://i.ibb.co/CKTCFLbK/yjege20e3u0h1.png)
I doubt it's a healthy relationship if she won't even try to understand your side, nutrition, and basic science.
You really need to surround yourself with smarter people, dude. Lack of critical thinking will bite you in many ways.
I've started creatine and now my mom and partner are on it too. Next up is whey protein for the whole family as a morning shake.