Protein shakes on non lifting days?

jogglesngoggles

I've gotten in the habit of having a scoop of whey isolate in my coffee every morning, but I've been thinking lately, what does my body do with it on non lifting days? On liftiing days I don't lift until 9 hrs later so I usually will have another shake before or after I lift to help my muscles, but on off days my muscles aren't fatigued and fighting for recovery so what does it do with it? Is it just like any other protein I would have for breakfast or since it is a protein shake is it not doing anything? I like having it every day for a couple of reasons, I HAVE to have coffee, I suppose I could wean myself off, but it's my one pleasure so why, I do not use milk, creamer, sugar etc and can't stand the taste of black coffee...the other reason is it keeps me full. Any suggestions, comments, etc? Thanks.

chaitrex

Remember, your body is ALWAYS having to maintain those muscles, even if you broke them down a little yesterday. I would say that a protein shake is fine, but if you are getting ample protein without it, you may want to forego it on rest days, to keep yourself from getting tired of the flavor.
I don't really know why this is, but I was once told by a trainer not to put protein powder into hot liquid. Never understood it, or why it would be an issue, but it's worth thinking about. Maybe someone else has an answer?

Acg67

Take the protein if you cannot get adequate protein intake from whole foods. Same goes for lifting days

lizard053

I drink protein shakes every day, 4 times a day. (They're small!) You still need the protein even if you're not weight training. Your body would probably get pretty mad at you for changing now, I think! Mine always does...

Sounds like you have a good routine that works for you. Why change it? Unless you're worried about the extra calories, I say enjoy it in your coffee every day!

jogglesngoggles

Awesome, thanks for the replies. Carry on I shall!!!

I don't really know why this is, but I was once told by a trainer not to put protein powder into hot liquid. Never understood it, or why it would be an issue, but it's worth thinking about. Maybe someone else has an answer?

I make a big pot of coffee weekly and put it in the fridge for this very reason. There is a weird chemical reaction with the hot coffee and the protein powder, it turns the powder into curds, it's aweful

EuroDriver12

Take the protein if you cannot get adequate protein intake from whole foods. Same goes for lifting days

THIS!!!

it annoys me to see people who are on like 1200-1300cal diet yet they include 1-2 protein shakes a day which adds up to 120-240cals! like seriously kids you could eat a huge bowl of mixed veggies or a chicken breast instead and actuly fill urself up! protein shakes are useful when u have to get like 300-600g of protein and that goal is hard to meet!!! thats when u drink protein shakes! just because ur working out doesnt mean u need to have protein shakes in ur diet

jogglesngoggles

I have a hard time eating a lot of meat, that is why I started the protein shakes, and the one I drink is only 100 calories and I exercise every day so I think I'm ok. I eat a TON of veggies. Calorie wise it's not an issue at all, neither is fullness. I'm pretty happy with where I'm at. I was really just asking if the protein powder on non lifting days would have any adverse affects. Thanks.

Take the protein if you cannot get adequate protein intake from whole foods. Same goes for lifting days

THIS!!!

it annoys me to see people who are on like 1200-1300cal diet yet they include 1-2 protein shakes a day which adds up to 120-240cals! like seriously kids you could eat a huge bowl of mixed veggies or a chicken breast instead and actuly fill urself up! protein shakes are useful when u have to get like 300-600g of protein and that goal is hard to meet!!! thats when u drink protein shakes! just because ur working out doesnt mean u need to have protein shakes in ur diet