Cardio day- Should i drink protein shakes on this day?

raven56706
raven56706 Posts: 918 Member
edited January 20 in Health and Weight Loss
i always wondered this. On cardio day, i usually burn 800-1000 calories...heavy workout...

cardio day consists of bike , elliptical or treadmill with the occasional ab machine. But since im not lifting, should i still be drinking protein shakes?

Replies

  • JessHealthKick
    JessHealthKick Posts: 800 Member
    it's more important to look at how much protein you take in daily. You should try get protein from normal sources as opposed to shakes but if you see my diary it's clear that I use both haha!

    I tend to always have something protein-rich after working out :)
  • JessHealthKick
    JessHealthKick Posts: 800 Member
    just saw your diary, it's incomplete, but are you exercising and losing 800cals whilst not eating more than 1200? This is a big no no!! You need to EAT BACK what you work off, as the deficit is already worked into MFP's recommendation for you :) I eat 1400-1600 on off days and eat back most of my cardio calories.
  • SandiW02
    SandiW02 Posts: 223 Member
    I recently had this discussion with my trainer = he suggested a Whey Protein Shake within one hour of working out to help with muscle repair. I like the advantage of grab and go.
  • gemmaleigh1989
    gemmaleigh1989 Posts: 241 Member
    Absolutely. Muscles are built outside of the gym as the saying goes... Meaning the repair process is what makes them grow bigger, and we all know that's what protein is to help with. So even on your days you don't lift, drink up! As your muscles are constantly repairing and growing if you hit the same body part with weights at least twice a week.
  • raven56706
    raven56706 Posts: 918 Member
    i dont mind drinking it up but how many protein shakes should you drink in a day?
  • gemmaleigh1989
    gemmaleigh1989 Posts: 241 Member
    A rough approximate and guide only is one gram of protein per pound of body weight, so it depends how much is in your shakes and how much you're already getting from food.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,448 MFP Moderator
    There is no specific time for when you need protein. Daily consumption is more important than the estimated window. And incomplete diary or consistently under eating will hurt your more.


    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/953575-protein
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,448 MFP Moderator
    A rough approximate and guide only is one gram of protein per pound of body weight, so it depends how much is in your shakes and how much you're already getting from food.

    Correct, it's 1g of protein per lb of lean body mass (everything not fat) instead of body weight.
  • raven56706
    raven56706 Posts: 918 Member
    ok so can i say the following is correct?

    it doesnt matter if its cardio or weight lifting, drinking protein shakes on a given day is a good thing if you need your protein intake to go up.
  • JessHealthKick
    JessHealthKick Posts: 800 Member
    ok so can i say the following is correct?

    it doesnt matter if its cardio or weight lifting, drinking protein shakes on a given day is a good thing if you need your protein intake to go up.

    yeah that's a good way to put it. But as with anything, natural is better. I don't know your personal diet restrictions, but I help get more in with fish and eggs and chicken mostly. Also soy milk and normal milk have a decent amount of protein!

    Good luck :)
  • gemmaleigh1989
    gemmaleigh1989 Posts: 241 Member
    Shakes are still fine for protein intake. Protein is protein whether it's from a quality whey shake or chicken etc
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