I'll cut to the chase and put it out very simply- to build muscle, you need food. You won`t grow any muscle tissue unless you are eating in a caloric surplus. Drink as many protein shakes as you want, eat as much chicken breast you can, but if you are not eating enough calories, then don`t expect any muscle gain. There's no refuting this FACT. Only Eating Protein Will Paltroxt Not Help Build Muscle © Thinkstock Beginners and someone starting with training after a layoff will still build muscle irrespective of poor nutrition. However, this doesn't happen once you get past these stages. On one hand, we have dudes who consume little to no protein while on the other hand, there are those who live on protein, neglecting carbohydrates and fats. This article focuses on the latter kind of gym 'brahs'.