Post Workout Protein/Carb Ratio?

agleckle

The post workout protein shakes that I usually drink are around 20g of protein and 15g or so of carbs, but then last night after my softball games, I stopped by a convenience store for a protein shake and found one called Oh Yeah! that had 32g of protein with 4g carbs. Will a person absorb a different amount of protein based on how many carbs are included? So I guess I am wondering 1. how necessary it is to consume carbs with protein and 2. if there is an ideal protein to carb ratio that a person should be consuming post workout.

Sidesteal

The post workout protein shakes that I usually drink are around 20g of protein and 15g or so of carbs, but then last night after my softball games, I stopped by a convenience store for a protein shake and found one called Oh Yeah! that had 32g of protein with 4g carbs. Will a person absorb a different amount of protein based on how many carbs are included? So I guess I am wondering 1. how necessary it is to consume carbs with protein and 2. if there is an ideal protein to carb ratio that a person should be consuming post workout.

Here is my opinion on your post:

Protein absorption isn't really relevant, or at least I don't see how it's relevant. Your body will use the protein you ingest.

Regarding your numbered points:

1) It is necessary if you need to replenish glycogen rapidly due to your athletic needs. Furthermore, for this to be true you'd need to fully deplete glycogen in your first athletic bout and then you'd need to be in a situation where you are about to train again within the same day or so. For example, if you were doing a triathlon, I would assume glycogen depletion would happen before the event was done, which would mean you'd need to replenish at some point during.

2) I wouldn't bother worrying about it assuming:

a) You have no immediate need to replenish glycogen.
b) You are mindful of your daily needs for macronutrients and you are capable of hitting them.