Protien after workout - or food?

FitBeto

I run a tight schedule – and on days I work I get home around 5pm, and that’s when I want to start my workout. I usually work until 6-630. I like to take my whey protein shake right after I work out – but I am conflicted. I drink my shake at 630. Then, I start to make dinner (for my family) then we eat usually 7-730 at night. I don’t want to drag out dinner and make it super late to eat for everyone else – but I don’t like cramming calories together like that. I guess what I am asking is do you think it’s appropriate to take protein in as a form of food or shake – because with the shake I get the BCAA and other added stuff, but I wouldn’t mind drinking it before bed or something like that. Do you think it really matters what kind of protein I ingest after a workout? I just want to get the full benefit of the protein shake.

MommaKit79

Is there a way to drink your shake, maybe on your way home or before you leave work so have it before your workout. THEN, have the protein in your dinner after your workout.

Just a thought...

mustgetmuscles1

I am sure I will get flamed for this but:

Protein from food is superior to shakes and the post workout "window" is a bunch of bunk. Just invented by suppliment companies to sell you a product.

Read this article and decide for yourself though.
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/the_top_10_post_workout_nutrition_myths;jsessionid=6DCF6B6CDC37CFE782EC56A078BE6B67-mcd01.hydra

njitalian

You can find numerous studies that give conflicting information in regards to protein shakes, pre/post workout meal timing etc. Which are fact, which are fiction? I don't know and frankly don't care but what has worked for me:

I've always eaten a high protein meal within two hours after working out and have only used the shakes when unable to get that meal in or to supplement (key word there) my protein throughout the day. What is more important than the timing of the meal or shake is your overall nutrition throughout the day not just pre/post workout.

jacksonpt

As long as you are getting the cals, it doesn't matter when they come - immediately after a workout or 6 hours later, in 2-3 bigger meals or spread out throughout the day.

Personal preference should be the determining factor here. I like a shake right after I workout because it helps with cravings... basically, it helps me stay in control. I like to eat less as the day goes on, and not much in the evenings because I sleep better. But I've done it every which way you can think of, and weight loss over longer periods of time isn't affected.

mustgetmuscles1

I've always eaten a high protein meal within two hours after working out and have only used the shakes when unable to get that meal in or to supplement (key word there) my protein throughout the day. What is more important than the timing of the meal or shake is your overall nutrition throughout the day not just pre/post workout.

^Absolutely agree.

SyStEmPhReAk

You can find numerous studies that give conflicting information in regards to protein shakes, pre/post workout meal timing etc. Which are fact, which are fiction? I don't know and frankly don't care but what has worked for me:

I've always eaten a high protein meal within two hours after working out and have only used the shakes when unable to get that meal in or to supplement (key word there) my protein throughout the day. What is more important than the timing of the meal or shake is your overall nutrition throughout the day not just pre/post workout.

^Absolutely agree x2

For every study that shows the benefits of taking in Whey or fast absorbing protein directly after a workout, you can find one that shows it isn't necessary as long as you are getting your protein in during the day. If you can get all your protein in the form of whole foods, thats fine. As also mentioned in another reply, i like to take a shake directly after i workout too. I'm in the gym around 4am and after my workout is done i have to rush and move my @$$ in order to catch my train to work. I don't have time to sit and eat a meal.

Another reason to supplement with a shake is if you aren't getting all of your protein from meals. I do two shakes a day because i'd have to eat more than i'm hungry for in order to get my protein. shakes are quick, easy and convenient, but not necessary.

FitBeto

I am sure I will get flamed for this but:

Protein from food is superior to shakes and the post workout "window" is a bunch of bunk. Just invented by suppliment companies to sell you a product.

Read this article and decide for yourself though.
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/the_top_10_post_workout_nutrition_myths;jsessionid=6DCF6B6CDC37CFE782EC56A078BE6B67-mcd01.hydra

This was incredible! Thanks for the read!

RHSheetz

I actually do the shake and a protien bar after my work-out more for the carbs than I do for the protien, and I can get more protien into me, than I could by eating. Of Course, I work out after breakfast and before work, so my next meal is 5 hours after I work out and I feel really shakey after working out. I think the Idea of drinking your shake before working out is a good one.

icimani

from T-Nation: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/the_top_10_post_workout_nutrition_myths;jsessionid=6DCF6B6CDC37CFE782EC56A078BE6B67-mcd01.hydra

Perhaps even more important than the pre-workout meal is the old standard: breakfast. No this article isn’t part of a conspiracy by MABB (Mom’s Against Bad Breakfasts) to promote the importance of this meal. Just think about it: being essentially fasted for 8-10 hours is incredibly destructive for muscle -yes even if you eat cottage cheese before bed.

jacksonpt

from T-Nation: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/the_top_10_post_workout_nutrition_myths;jsessionid=6DCF6B6CDC37CFE782EC56A078BE6B67-mcd01.hydra

Perhaps even more important than the pre-workout meal is the old standard: breakfast. No this article isn’t part of a conspiracy by MABB (Mom’s Against Bad Breakfasts) to promote the importance of this meal. Just think about it: [bold]being essentially fasted for 8-10 hours is incredibly destructive for muscle[/bold] -yes even if you eat cottage cheese before bed.

How is being fasted for 8 hours "incredibly destructive for muscle"? Especially when you are sleeping for those 8 hours?

mustgetmuscles1

from T-Nation: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/the_top_10_post_workout_nutrition_myths;jsessionid=6DCF6B6CDC37CFE782EC56A078BE6B67-mcd01.hydra

Perhaps even more important than the pre-workout meal is the old standard: breakfast. No this article isn’t part of a conspiracy by MABB (Mom’s Against Bad Breakfasts) to promote the importance of this meal. Just think about it: [bold]being essentially fasted for 8-10 hours is incredibly destructive for muscle[/bold] -yes even if you eat cottage cheese before bed.

How is being fasted for 8 hours "incredibly destructive for muscle"? Especially when you are sleeping for those 8 hours?

Not sure but he sites a study in the next paragraph.

This is especially true in trained individuals like us, because we have higher rates of muscle breakdown (Phillips et al. 2002) The faster we can stop this catabolism once we wake up, the better. In fact, one could even argue that the amount of muscle protein spared from this first meal would be equal to, or even greater, than that gained by a post workout meal.

I have not read the study to see what he is talking about though.

icimani

I didn't mean to hijack this thread with the Breakfast Debate. I just know that a lot of people here on MFP wil argue to death the advantages of breakfast and are always looking for studies as proof. Well here it is. BUT - whatever works for you, stick with it!

yoovie

I think protein might be part of food.

zaph0d

Protein is effectively food. But don't worry about this "must eat protein immediately after workout" nonsense. Hitting your calorie and macronutrient targets are far more important than timing.