Cardio day- Do you drink protein shakes?

I do! I drink one every morning (well, like 5 days a week) and it not only gets my calories up, since I know I'm going to be burning a lot, but it keeps me full from 7 a.m. until lunch, around 12 p.m. I might occasionally have a bit of cereal or a Fiber One bar in between, but otherwise, I still maintain a full feeling for as long as I need to.

I'm confused, what's cardio day?

You are correct. As long as it fits into your Calories, having a Proteinshake is always a good idea

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.

See bold.

I'm only clarifying because some people tend to think that protein in a shake form is somehow magic.

If your diet is in need of more protein you could also eat more whole food protein.

Regarding your "how many shakes should I have per day" question previously asked, that's also going to be dependent on how much additional protein you need that you are not getting through whole foods.

For me, the point of protein shakes is to keep me fuller for longer, and to help repair muscle. Given that you break muscle down by cycling, treadmill etc, albeit not to the same degree as lifting, I would have one, as you still need to help repair and strengthen muscle. And I do have one every morning after I cycle into work.

I drink one in the morning after my workout, and one in the evening to make sure I get enough protein in my diet.

I scrolled through about 10 days of your dairy.

First, you're almost always under your calorie goal, usually by quite a bit, so you've got some cals to play with.

Second, there is very little true protein sources on your list... animal proteins (beef, chicken, fish, eggs), dairy protein (milk, cheese, greek yogurt). Some of that takes legitimate cooking and is hard to do at work or on the go. But some of it is very easy. Looks like you just need a little more practice figuring out how to better balance foods to get closer to your macros.

Agree with jacksonpt ..

I only take a protein shake on the day i train and only immed. AFTER i train.
I choose to get my protein the rest of the time .. and on days i dont train from food sources.

A

I'm at least 1 a day. On my 2 a days, I have 2 or 3 shakes.

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.

Yes, it's not about how many shakes but about hitting a daily protein target. Also, depending on how long and how intense, cardio can get catabolic. A good mix of adequate protein (your daily target) and upping carbs can replenish glycogen and spare muscle on cardio day.

the thing for me is my protein intake is another problem... i dont get enough...

with the shakes at work, i can manage it well and get my calories up... take a look at my diary today.... i beg all who responded to here friend request me and take a look... today you will see that by a certain period i will need more.


would be nice for you guys to critique it as well. To be honest, working in NYC is hard and can be expensive to eat clean.

Maybe grab a big bag of skinless/boneless chicken breasts, cooking them all at once, then grab one every day to heat up for lunch. You could hard-boil eggs, get cottage cheese, greek yogurt, or string cheese. It can be hard to fit it in for use. Kashi Go Lean also is a great source of protein.

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?

Protein shakes are nothing more than a supplemental way to get extra protein in your diet. Your protein requirements should not fluctuate. Find a protein intake adequate for your fitness, training, and calorie intake goals and stick with it.

I recommend 1/g per lb of lean body mass.

set it and forget it.

Sure, we need protein, why not? On weight days I drink a shake after working out; on cardio days I don't typcially consume one right after, but I often have a shake most days instead of breakfast or lunch or for a snack. I keep protein powder and a blender bottle at my desk for this reason. Some people have a snack drawer, I have a protein powder stash :-) (I also keep raw almonds around)