Ever felt like you had walked onto another planet when you entered a gym? It’s a human cucumber in a sea filled with muscled tomatoes. You wonder if you should be jerking the weights or doing a jig. It’s a situation we have all experienced. But if no one has pointed you in the direction of a supplement… well, brace yourselves. Because of whey? This is the perfect complement to your peanut-butter fitness dreams. Read this.

Imagine yourself in the corner of a gym trying to gather up courage to approach a weight rack. Steve–the gym enthusiast with biceps that are bigger than your leg–arrives out of the blue, sidles up and sips an unknown milky substance. He then winks, with a knowing smile. Don’t you now want to discover what gave Steve that swagger.

My friend Whey Protein This whey protein, which is made from the milk that’s used to make cheese, is the loud cousin who always makes a big fuss at family events. But it’s actually very beneficial. This is a great source of amino acids that will give your muscles the energy they need to get bigger, stronger and faster. Imagine nitro as street-racing minus the penalties.

But, hey! Don’t swallow it just yet. It’s no magic fairy dust. It’s dedication. Remember the tortoise vs. hare race of old? Your muscles will appreciate your protein pats on the back. In the meantime, your ambitions could be the hare who is impatiently hopping around. Both can be at peace if you trust the journey, and not just the end product.

You ever stand in the protein aisle, overwhelmed by choices with names like “Ultra-Mega-Lean-Muscle-Blast” staring at you? Like being on a 20-person blind date. Select one without overthinking it. Whey isolates, concentrates — they are all different dialects of the language. Some isolates contain more fats and carbs than others (the “real-life” isolates). You should always know what you are buying.

Here’s an epiphany: protein is not just for gym freaks. Travelers, busy bees and even the less-active use protein for its nutritional benefits. Imagine you’re stuck in morning rush hour traffic and eating puffy clouds as your breakfast. You also have a tight deadline. Whey mixed with some water can help you stay afloat during that important meeting. Crazy?

Mix it while on Earth! Blend with your breakfast smoothie, pancakes, a quirky milkshake, or even a latte. This is not only lazy, but also culinary savvy. Steve? He does that.

It’s not uncommon to hear of people who feel yucky when they drink whey. The lactose intolerant gremlin speaks. It’s a little trick. Consider whey concentrates. These isolates have less lactose, so they won’t upset your stomach.

For fun, let’s consider the benefits of protein beyond abs and curls. Claire, your friend’s ultra-marathon-running telepathist Aunt, swears daily scoops of protein eases her knee-niggling run. Or maybe your grandpa mixes whey, oats and other ingredients to make his dance marathons.

The next time Steve is at the gym or you run into the aunty who always has oatmeal in her pantry, take a second to think about it. Let whey’s idea envelop your mind. Or, enjoy the realization that in the midst of all the muscle myths, and the stories of maverick fitness enthusiasts, you have the key to achieving your own definition of strength. Go, mighty cucumber!