Protein after I workout?

I've read that liquid protein is better than solid protein after a workout. If I have anything, I will just have some Greek yogurt like Chobani .... which is sort of liquid

Chocolate milk is the best recover drink. It has a good ratio for carb and protein. If you want eat some simple carb, after the weight lifting work out is the best time to eat because it will go straight to your muscle .
You don't need it for cardio unless you had over 1/2 hour of high intensity work out.

You actually need more carbs than protein after a workout. Simple carbs are actually good in this instance as they get directly to your bloodstream and replenish your insulin level after it has been depleted. Chocolate milk is great or any protein shake that includes carbs.

i go for chocolate milk after work out, its my "reward" ...my brain tells me if i exercise, then i get my chocolate so far, works well

Yes depending on the workout, you need protein and carbs. I always like to have a protein shake with some oat bran or flax seed Seems to be working! I am a college runner and always do this after every run/strength training workout, and I am never sore when my teammates are, because I recover properly and they do not.

Adequate total daily protein is what will make a difference.

+1

i have a protein fruit smoothie after a work out. 1-2 scoops of protein, 6-8 ounces of orange juice, a handful of frozen berries, dash of salt, and some non fat yogurt. my stomach can't handle solids for about an hour, but this i love. then an hour and a half after i try and consume some protein like lean chicken.

you need protein to maintain and build muscles, even if you aren't a big body builder.

You actually need more carbs than protein after a workout. Simple carbs are actually good in this instance as they get directly to your bloodstream and replenish your insulin level after it has been depleted. Chocolate milk is great or any protein shake that includes carbs.

Wrong

Please expand for me.

To start with, "insulin levels" are not something that can be "replenished" or "depleted," you're thinking of glycogen stores.

Secondly, rapid glycogen replenishment is only important in endurance athletes that compete to the point of muscle glycogen depletion and plan to compete in another such even within a 24 hour period. This doesn't apply to the average joe who doesn't train ANYWHERE NEAR the point of glycogen depletion.

Insulin levels are a concern to those that think simple carbs are necessary to raise insulin levels to maximize protein uptake within some predefined "post workout window." Two problems with this reasoning:
-Protein itself will raise insulin enough to maximize muscle protein synthesis.
-The "post workout window" is more like a 24-48 hour increase in the rate of muscle protein synthesis.

Put this altogether, and it points to the fact that daily nutrition is what makes a difference, nitpicking about timing will not lead to a measurable difference.

I've actually been drinking a EAS protein drink every morning this week after I workout, (and I mainly do cardio) Since doing this I've actually dropped 3 lbs in 3 days. I also have my protein levels set for 45% daily because MFP does have them really low. I'm going to start doing lifting 3 days a week here soon on top of doing 6 days of cardio just so I can build up some lean muscle and tone up my saggy arms and legs. When looking for protein shakes look for ones low in sugars. For me fat and protein are what help my body lose weight, if I add in sugar though I start gaining. Natural sugars are ok but if their is added sugars then I stay away from them!!