protein shakes?

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nibbynoo
nibbynoo Posts: 250 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey, a couple questions on protein shakes.

why do you drink them
should they be drunk before/after
what should should you drink them before/after

i'm getting a lot of mixed info about them and am confused! thanks

Replies

  • mdstamand
    mdstamand Posts: 170 Member
    I don't know about everyone else, so I'll just speak for me. I only drink them after an exercise session where I tear down a muscle group. ie. Weight lifting days or days when I'm on my cycle trainer and I've been mashing gears to the point of muscle failure. I drink a protein shake within 1/2 hr of finishing to provide a protein source for muscle repair.

    I don't drink them if my workout has been aerobic. I think a good carb (simple carbs) source might be better after that. I drink chocolate milk (fat free milk) or a serving of fruit such as strawberries .

    I'm not a nutritionist but this seems to work for me and follows the advice of more experience athletes that I've worked out with.

    Hopefully a sports nutritionist will get on here and give you some proper advice.

    Good luck!
  • lin7604
    lin7604 Posts: 2,951 Member
    are they good to drink just b/c you have a hard time getting protein into your diet on a regular basis?
  • LexyDB
    LexyDB Posts: 261
    There is no general rule of thumb regarding protein shakes. The consensus is to take one immediately or as close as you can after you exercise. This isn't just for muscle gain but to help prevent catabolism (your body breaking down muscle or using it as a fuel source).

    You can't prevent catabolism but you can do your best to reduce the impact as much as possible, with a post workout shake. Try to avoid carbohydrates post work out unless you want to bulk as they slow down protein absorption.

    As for the rest of the day, as long as they fit in with your dietary requirements you can take them anytime. But don't forget you will benefit more from a solid protein sources and the thermogenics required for your body to process them.

    Hope this helps.
  • lin7604
    lin7604 Posts: 2,951 Member
    so since i have a hard time getting protein in me, i could just drink a shake a day then...... i can't seem to get more then 70 g in me, normally 50-60 a day..
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