Importance of protein "timing" (after workouts, etc)?

Coolhandkid

I am a supporter of long term trends. When looking at my "stats" I like to look at week long blocks (or even longer). I eat a LOT of protein and I feel like it has helped me maintain and even enhance my lean muscle mass (I lift more weight now than when I started losing (65+).

But I am repeatedly told I need to focus my protein intake when it can more fully be absorbed by muscles after exersion. I've been told this by people I actually respect the opinions of. Now, I do take some protein after workouts. I just take a LOT of protein at other times too. If a lot of it is just reverting to carbs anyways I'll save the money (and kidney workload).

TIA!

DeguelloTex

Whatever benefit there is to timing probably isn't worth the time and effort to well over 99% of the population.

stevencloser

Basically no importance.

juggernaut1974

DeguelloTex wrote: »

Whatever benefit there is to timing probably isn't worth the time and effort to well over 99% of the population.

This

Coolhandkid

I'm no pro athlete but I did play some college ball and I would like to get back to my athletic beginnings in the end. I'm closing in on 40 so I'm not going pro anytime soon. But I'd like to feed my muscles as much as possible.

edwardetr

You should have a daily target for protein and split it up throughout the day, so that it is continuously available for your body. Timing would be more relevant for carbs. Your muscle glycogen is depleted after a workout and muscles will soak up carbs like a sponge. I just have a simple dextrose/whey mixture during and after my workouts. I also have a casein shake just before bed. The rest of the day, I try to get in my daily protein goal whenever I can.

999tigger

Daily amount more important, so dont fret.

Cherimoose

galbracj wrote: »

II just take a LOT of protein at other times too. If a lot of it is just reverting to carbs anyways I'll save the money (and kidney workload).

How much do you average per day?

Coolhandkid

Cherimoose wrote: »

galbracj wrote: »

II just take a LOT of protein at other times too. If a lot of it is just reverting to carbs anyways I'll save the money (and kidney workload).

How much do you average per day?

~200g (ish). I'm also 6'6" and 300lb.

DeguelloTex

I go for 220. I'm 6'9" and, well, 220.

I don't lift fasted, but that's the extent to which I care about timing.

ki4eld

DeguelloTex wrote: »

Whatever benefit there is to timing probably isn't worth the time and effort to well over 99% of the population.

Yep.

besee_2000

Its not how or when you eat your protein. Its the rest period that actually builds the muscle. Assuming you're not downing all protein just before bed your body should have absorbed anything you ate throughout the day and will now utilize it properly.