Whey Protein Confusion

Fayve

So I'm hoping someone can give me a bit of clarification here.

I read all the time that whey is really most ideal immediately before/after a workout, as the protein absorption is relatively quick, compared to creatine, which absorbs slowly throughout the day. All of the protein powders I've tried (minus the last one, which is a soya protein), have been whey, and I love drinking the shakes so much that I'll gladly have one for breakfast on days I don't even workout, or as a night-time snack while I worked out in the morning.

Since the "absorption of protein" happens more quickly, what benefit am I gaining or losing out on by consuming whey protein at a time where I haven't worked out? Are the "X grams of protein" more valuable in those times, and far less in others? How much?

Or is this all a bunch of nonsense of unknown origin? Really curious to know (and also curious about how soy protein might stack up on this scale as well ! )

Thanks

Rae6503

Getting enough protein every day is important when it comes to maintaining muscles. I make sure to get at least 120 grams every day regardless of workout,

Classalete

It sounds like your a bit mixed up on some things...

First off creatine and protein are two different supplement beasts. There are many different types of creatine that many people debate over which is more effective...In short they all do their job, which is to aid in the growth and repair of new muscle tissue.

Protein is a bit more simple and be boiled down into three main categories, soy, whey, and casein. To avoid a long and drawn out post, I'll try to make things as clear-cut as possible.

Soy - I've never used it personally and I don't know of anyone who really recommends it so I won't offer an ignorant opinion.

Whey - Mostly composed of milk protein isolates, think curds and whey. Best known for rapid muscle absorption and effectiveness. Can be supplemented whenever, with meals, on it's own, ect. Most effect post-workout.

Casein - A slow digesting protein and forms an amino/protein rich gel in your stomach. Slowly feeds your body for 5-7 hours. Best when taken right before bed.

Fayve

Ok, thank you, these are very helpful!

So just to clarify, I try and aim for at least 100g of protein, preferably more per day. If I suddenly decided to go protein crazy and ate 100g worth of whey protein in the second half of my day, long after any workout, it would still benefit me just as much as say... eating protein from lean meats or other sources?

I actually hadn't realized that creatine was considered something different entirely. More research is needed on my part, thanks

Classalete

Ok, thank you, these are very helpful!

So just to clarify, I try and aim for at least 100g of protein, preferably more per day. If I suddenly decided to go protein crazy and ate 100g worth of whey protein in the second half of my day, long after any workout, it would still benefit me just as much as say... eating protein from lean meats or other sources?

I actually hadn't realized that creatine was considered something different entirely. More research is needed on my part, thanks

in my opinion, the goal for nutrition is to eat several well balanced meals 2-3 hours apart. The balance of course depends on your macro-nutrient breakdowns (carbs/fat/protein). For me personally, I try to make each meal equate to 40% carbs, 40% protein, and 20% fat. Being consistent with your protein intake ensures that your muscles always have a viable source of amino's to feed and repair off of.

So long as you are eating under your caloric maintenance, you will be in a calorie deficit causing you to lose weight.
If you are consuming over your caloric maintenance, you will be in a calorie surplus causing you to gain weight.
(maintenance also includes your expenditure from daily activity.)

The contents of the weight you gain or lose is dependent on your macro-nutrients.