I was never a big fan of protein shakes or "muscle milk", and quite honestly, I probably wasn't getting enough protein to begin with. However, I've recently learned that protein is especially necessary when doing cardio and strength workouts because muscles need a sufficient amount of protein to grow.

Now, I'm sure the guys reading this have no problem gulping down a protein shake because the ultimate goal is to look bulked up and have large muscles. However, as a girl, I'm not completely comfortable with drinking a shake to help my muscles get larger. In fact, I don't want them to look large, but rather just toned.

For all of you girls with the same concern as me, there is an answer! These shakes are perfect for women who want to gain muscle, but not in that Jersey Shore bulk up way. I've had these shakes a few times, and they honestly do not taste all that bad. I've also had the Special K protein shakes after a work out, and I noticed I was becoming a little more toned within a few weeks. It's not that these shakes are making you have muscles and you don't have to work out, but rather are helping the muscles grow that you are giving attention to.

While drinking protein shakes will definitely benefit your workout, do not over-drink just because you want large muscles. Limit yourself to one per day, and drink them right after a workout for the best affects. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing!