When should you eat your protein?

TooFitToQuit
TooFitToQuit Posts: 33
edited September 30 in Food and Nutrition
Is there any benefit to drinking a protein shake BEFORE working out instead of after? What about half before and half after? So, basically my question is, when is the best time to have protein?!

Replies

  • peachNpunkin
    peachNpunkin Posts: 1,010 Member
    The absolute best time to have protien is between 3pm and 4pm. But as far as working out, after. Your muscles need the protien after the workout to rebuild. Eat a small portion of healthy fat and carbs before working out so you have energy. Then after replenish yourself with protien.
  • tropicalicyicy
    tropicalicyicy Posts: 83 Member
    i have heard after is better, just because some people can't handle working out with something milky in their stomach, just thinking about it kinda makes me cringe. if you can do it though then i would say that's fine-either before or after your workout.
  • MissMaryMac33
    MissMaryMac33 Posts: 1,433 Member
    I personally bring a protein shake with me to zumba....it doesn't bother me at all and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    The timing if when you have protein is irrelevant as long as you get the minimum amount of protein required in your macros per day.
  • TooFitToQuit
    TooFitToQuit Posts: 33
    I drank it before my workout today, and I thought it gave me a big boost of energy! By the end of the day I usually have 130-145 g in my diet
  • EuroDriver
    EuroDriver Posts: 254
    i would say top 3 times for protein is first thing when you wake up, post workout (i bring it with me so i drink as im walking out the gym) and half way through your sleep... i don't wake up half way through but alot of "pros" wake up 4hrs into their sleep and drink a shake...

    first part of your sleep your muscle is repairing and growing.. second part cuz your hungry your body starts to eat it.. if you add protein you keep more muscle..
  • Egger29
    Egger29 Posts: 14,741 Member
    Wow...so many different answers.

    I would suggest you check out "Power Eating" by Dr Susan Kleiner which is a great resource for sport nutritoin. As well, John Berardi's Precision Nutrition is cutting edge for what's what as far as nutrition. www.precisionnutrition.com

    Yes, timing does matter and it's not about the time of day, but more about when you're working out.

    Not all proteins are created equal so the QUALITY is just as much a factor as the Quantity. If you're filling up with soft cheeses and high-fat means (regular ground beef, strip steak etc, you're not getting as optimum as say Fish, Shellfish and Chicken.

    Quantity is recommended at 0.6 - 0.8 grams per lb of body weight..

    As well want to spread your protein intake throughout the day, mixed with your carbs. This promotes building new muscle tissue, moderating your insulin response and providing maximum energy through the day.

    A simple protein-carb mix 1-2 hours before your workout builds on these principles to allow for maximum efficiency and energy in your routine. A bagel with peanut Butter is one example, or some water/juice with protein powder.

    As soon as you can POST-workout, you want to replenish your protein/carb stores with at least 40g of Carbs combined with 20g of Protein. The time immediately after your workout is the most efficient for nutrient absorption. As well, you want your carbs to be from high-glycemic index choices that break down quickly into the blood stream (Gatorade, Oatmeal, Watermelon, and Raisins are convenient options).

    Cheers!
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