Protein after Cardio, anyone?

KellieNause

Do any of you guys drink a protein shake after doing over an hours worth of cardio? Or is that to be saved until after strength training?

melsinct

Honestly, unless you are doing some sort of elite fitness training, protein shakes are unnecessary for most people unless you really like the taste or have trouble eating all of your calories via real food.

draggardarcane

There is really no point. Cardio makes your body break down protein faster, so it isn't really helping at all.

finchest

Honestly, unless you are doing some sort of elite fitness training, protein shakes are unnecessary for most people unless you really like the taste or have trouble eating all of your calories via real food.

they're useful if you're vegetarian as well.

chevy88grl

I drink them after cardio. I don't know that it has any health benefits, but I'm always hungry and NEED to get something into my system right after. Unfortunately, my stomach doesn't like me to eat much right after I workout (or before for that matter!). So, I figure a protein shake is perfect. It helps with the hunger, but doesn't overwhelm my system. If there are other benefits, great.

Bentley2718

Honestly, unless you are doing some sort of elite fitness training, protein shakes are unnecessary for most people unless you really like the taste or have trouble eating all of your calories via real food.

they're useful if you're vegetarian as well.

Vegetarians, and even vegans can get plenty of protein without supplements. Supplementing protein may be convenient, but it's not necessary.

MissMollieD

Protein shakes ARE necessary - since most people don't get enough protein in their diet. You should aim to get at least half your body weight in grams of protein everyday - more when you work out (because your caloric goal increases). If you can't get half your body weight in grams of protein in what you are eating, then you should do a protein shake.

You should research the different types of protein - whey, casein, etc. and find out what is best for you and your goals. Some are slow released, and some are burn up quickly.

rockerbabyy

I drink them after cardio. I don't know that it has any health benefits, but I'm always hungry and NEED to get something into my system right after. Unfortunately, my stomach doesn't like me to eat much right after I workout (or before for that matter!). So, I figure a protein shake is perfect. It helps with the hunger, but doesn't overwhelm my system. If there are other benefits, great.

this is me too

cassblue21

I do a shake or a protein bar right after cardio or strength training. It is the best way for me to get in the protein I need and not have to eat a bunch right after working out. And it has been said that you should get your nutrients in at least 20 min after a workout to replace what has been lost in a workout. Plus side it has helped me lose weight better since I am not eating as much in the mornings but getting what I need still.

jenniet04

You are breaking down your muscles even when you are doing cardio, having a protein shake helps build them back up - and it is best if you have it soon after your workout.

AllanMisner

I don't purposefully drink a protein shake after cardio (like I do for weight training), but I do make sure to get protein, carbs and fat into my system. I should also note that I usually do cardio on an empty stomach unless I'm going to go for more than 2 hours. So, by the time I get done, my body is screaming for food. I give it what it wants, and if I'm short on time, that can be a shake.

UponThisRock

Protein shakes ARE necessary - since most people don't get enough protein in their diet. You should aim to get at least half your body weight in grams of protein everyday - more when you work out (because your caloric goal increases). If you can't get half your body weight in grams of protein in what you are eating, then you should do a protein shake.

You should research the different types of protein - whey, casein, etc. and find out what is best for you and your goals. Some are slow released, and some are burn up quickly.

So it would be difficult for a 150 lb woman to get 75g per day without using a protein shake?

draggardarcane

Do any of you guys drink a protein shake after doing over an hours worth of cardio? Or is that to be saved until after strength training?

Wait a minute. Hours worth of cardio?? How much are we talking here? If your looking to be a marathon runner you won't need to bulk, so some muscle loss is good. If you want to retain muscle or build muscle you shouldn't be running for hours on end.

invisibubble

I drink them too. It's less hassle than trying to stomach food after a mega workout, and for under 200 cals and 3g of fat I get myself 25 or so grams of protein that fills me up (and helps me meet a macro that I otherwise have to eat and spend a ton to reach).

wolfchild59

Runs of 5 or so miles, or less, I don't tend to seek out anything specific in any set time period after to refuel. Often I'm doing these runs in the evening and eat nothing after.

If they're in the range of 6-7 miles, I don't fuel during and then usually have something like a mini Luna bar or small piece of fruit after just to replenish glycogen through carbs. I can sometimes be a bit stiff later if I don't.

Over 7 miles and I'll be having one to two Clif Shot Bloks while I'm running already. And the. I usually end up eating a normal meal pretty soon after simply because that's how the day tends to be timing out around the runs. But the couple of times a meal wasn't specifically planned, I did have a smaller meal/large snack that included mostly carbs, a fair bit of protein and a little fat.

That said, I don't supplement with shakes at all and have no problems hitting 30-40% protein in a day, 130-230g, depending on how many calories I'm eating overall. And often am looking for healthy carbs and fats because my protein level is way high. There's times I've looked at the chart and I'm at around 50% protein and so I adjust my meals to level it out a bit.

3laine75

i'd say carbs before cardio - i have a banana. i'm certainly not an expert but i only have a protein shake after doing weights.

MissMollieD

Protein shakes ARE necessary - since most people don't get enough protein in their diet. You should aim to get at least half your body weight in grams of protein everyday - more when you work out (because your caloric goal increases). If you can't get half your body weight in grams of protein in what you are eating, then you should do a protein shake.

You should research the different types of protein - whey, casein, etc. and find out what is best for you and your goals. Some are slow released, and some are burn up quickly.

So it would be difficult for a 150 lb woman to get 75g per day without using a protein shake?

I think a lot of people find it difficult. But I personally ate 91g of protein (1580 calorie diet) yesterday without a protein shake, I weigh 135lb. So it can be done.

inatez

Yes I think it's important that you get se protein after you're carido work because as you lose weight you lose fat and muscle if you want to maintain that muscle you gotta have your protein it'll help you lose weight faster if you have some muscle , muscle burns fat.