Protein Shakes - Before or After??

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  • rdcraner
    rdcraner Posts: 11
    I would recommend a shake post workout and then a whole food meal 60 minutes after training.


    ^^This, but only if you need the extra protein to fill your macros...

    This is exactly what I do. However, I have to note that my cardio/strength training is done in the afternoon/evening so it is easy for me to come home, take a quick shower, drink a shake, and then an hour or so later, eat my dinner.

    I also will typically have a protein shake with my breakfast in the morning.
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    I have a shake 30-45 minutes before. Then I have a 4:1 carb to protein ratio shake or snack or meal within 30 minutes after (usually right after). But, as everyone has already said, do what works for you and it doesn't really matter before or after. Mine is more based on cardio w/ strength and long distance cardio.
  • ecw3780
    ecw3780 Posts: 608 Member
    I always eat dinner about about an hour or two before working out and then drink a protein shake within 30 minutes of working out. Sometimes, I could then eat half a cow about an hour later, but sometimes I am good for the rest of the night (I work out in the evening). My protein shake does usually end up being before bed, but I don't ever intentionally drink one right before bed. I like to wake up hungry, I feel like it gives me a reason to start my day fresh with a good breakfast. If I don't wake up hungry, I assume it means I ate to much before going to bed. So, to sum up what seems like a rambling post, eat solid food before working out, drink a protein shake after to help replenish your body, and then eat again later if you are legitimately hungry. I would not recommend just drinking a shake before bed because it might help you build muscle. It is still calories and protein your body wont be using while your asleep.
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    I would recommend a shake post workout and then a whole food meal 60 minutes after training.

    Agreed! I usually don't feel hungry right after my workout.. I have some whey protein or protein shake post workout to add to my macros but otherwise a full meal can wait until I get home.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I don't find my whey to be particularly satiating. It's basically a fuel supplement for my workout and my protein goals. I like to have some fruit or something about 20-30 minutes before a workout...a lot of times this is an apple with some peanut butter...then follow my workout with my protein supplement. I'm usually not all that hungry until about 2 hours after my lift session...at which point, I can eat a house, so dinner better be ready (but that's all on me since I'm the chef at home).
  • sblake204
    sblake204 Posts: 458 Member
    I do both before and after
  • mryak750
    mryak750 Posts: 198 Member
    I drink a shake post workout....I workout late...about 8:30...and I'm up at 7am (kids)..by the time i workout I already have most of my cals/macros....I would love to eat 2 hrs or so post workout but by that time I'm sleeping...so its just a bland shake for me post workout...Question for anyone who knows...If i fulfill my protien goal prior to workout..do you really need a protien shake post workout(I lift and do quick sessions of HIIT)????...
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    I drink a shake post workout....I workout late...about 8:30...and I'm up at 7am (kids)..by the time i workout I already have most of my cals/macros....I would love to eat 2 hrs or so post workout but by that time I'm sleeping...so its just a bland shake for me post workout...Question for anyone who knows...If i fulfill my protien goal prior to workout..do you really need a protien shake post workout(I lift and do quick sessions of HIIT)????...

    I think so. If you are lifting or doing cardio, it certainly doesn't hurt to give yourself some more protein. Unless you have liver/kidney issues, it wouldn't hurt to have some post-workout.
  • JoshRodenberg
    JoshRodenberg Posts: 30
    I drink a shake post workout....I workout late...about 8:30...and I'm up at 7am (kids)..by the time i workout I already have most of my cals/macros....I would love to eat 2 hrs or so post workout but by that time I'm sleeping...so its just a bland shake for me post workout...Question for anyone who knows...If i fulfill my protien goal prior to workout..do you really need a protien shake post workout(I lift and do quick sessions of HIIT)????...

    Personally I think you should try to get some protein after your workout, but it doesn't have to be much. Could just be a little yogurt or cottage cheese or whatever, not necessarily a shake.

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