Instructions on my Protein Shake

Fochizzy

The Instructions on my Protein Shake say to "drink within 30 minutes of workout for maximum effect"...why? I tend to drink it with lunch, and work out after work. Should I be waiting. What is the benifit of protein within 30 minutes of workout, I don't see why it should matter. The protein is in my body for the day to help grow the muscles.

Mentzerj

Not sure what else is in the shake, but it may also have some sugars in it with the instruction of 'within 30 minutes of workout.' I'm not an expert by any means, but my trainer has me do the same thing - a protein shake with a 'healthy' source of sugars post intense strength training to help replenish the muscles, etc.
When I expressed doubt as to the need for the sugars, he explained this whole 45m minute window thing post workout - something to do with those muscles screaming for the fuel 'now' and if you provide them with it, your body will use it short term, then the protein long term for continued recovery. After that window the body will have already started the process of giving those muscles fuel by other means, so then the sugars would be just stored/used otherwise, etc.
I'm sure there are folks on here who can give a much better scientific answer, but is how I think of it

Sirchunx

Hey Fochizzy,
Proteins have different life expectancies. Your protein shake (I will assume its at-least partially Whey?) is designed to be digested and used extremely fast compared to food, in fact if its a Whey Isolate it is actually more expensive than just whey specifically to be absorbed ASAP. This allows the protein to get to your muscles right away after a work out and start to repair the tears. Normal protein rich foods do not break down this fast and take time for the protein to get to your muscle. Protein shakes are designed for immediate consumption and to fill the space between your workout and when you eat your next meal.

Simply put it is a supplement and not a meal. You take your protein shake digest it fast and the protein goes right to muscles, repairs them immediately (which prevents you body from eating muscle instead of fat) then disappears, but your muscles aren't completely healed yet, so you need food to come in and handle the rest.

Sirchunx

Not sure what else is in the shake, but it may also have some sugars in it with the instruction of 'within 30 minutes of workout.' I'm not an expert by any means, but my trainer has me do the same thing - a protein shake with a 'healthy' source of sugars post intense strength training to help replenish the muscles, etc.
When I expressed doubt as to the need for the sugars, he explained this whole 45m minute window thing post workout - something to do with those muscles screaming for the fuel 'now' and if you provide them with it, your body will use it short term, then the protein long term for continued recovery. After that window the body will have already started the process of giving those muscles fuel by other means, so then the sugars would be just stored/used otherwise, etc.
I'm sure there are folks on here who can give a much better scientific answer, but is how I think of it

Simple sugars help to produce insulin which helps muscle recovery and removes the nasty hormone cortisol which is what causes your body to use its own muscles as fuel for recovery/healing. The timing 30-45 mins prior during or post workout guarantees that your body is craving nutrients for recovery and that what you take in will be used ASAP.

Fochizzy

Ok, so there is a reason why it should not be my yummy drink with lunch. And yes it is mostly whey, though seriously low sugar. So 30-minutes before the workout will work, that will be easier. I like to mix it with milk so if I try to do it post work out my milk is warm and yicky. But 30-minutes before, that I can do, 1/2 through my subway ride home. I just didn't understand why

Fochizzy

Hey Fochizzy,
Proteins have different life expectancies. Your protein shake (I will assume its at-least partially Whey?) is designed to be digested and used extremely fast compared to food, in fact if its a Whey Isolate it is actually more expensive than just whey specifically to be absorbed ASAP. This allows the protein to get to your muscles right away after a work out and start to repair the tears. Normal protein rich foods do not break down this fast and take time for the protein to get to your muscle. Protein shakes are designed for immediate consumption and to fill the space between your workout and when you eat your next meal.

Simply put it is a supplement and not a meal. You take your protein shake digest it fast and the protein goes right to muscles, repairs them immediately (which prevents you body from eating muscle instead of fat) then disappears, but your muscles aren't completely healed yet, so you need food to come in and handle the rest.

I was treating it as a supplement. I just knew I needed protein, I basically don't eat meat so it has been interesting getting enough.

Sirchunx

Ok, so there is a reason why it should not be my yummy drink with lunch. And yes it is mostly whey, though seriously low sugar. So 30-minutes before the workout will work, that will be easier. I like to mix it with milk so if I try to do it post work out my milk is warm and yicky. But 30-minutes before, that I can do, 1/2 through my subway ride home. I just didn't understand why

Nope no reason why it can't be a yummy drink with lunch! I drink 3 a day & only one is after a workout. They should just tell you on the container why they suggest taking it within 30 mins of a workout instead of making you guess. Getting enough protein without eating meat is rough, protein shakes def help with that, my g/f goes through the same thing.