Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Element5 Digital Pexels Logo Photo: Element5 Digital

Is it better to drink a protein shake before or after a workout?

Protein plays an important role in repairing and rebuilding your muscles after exercise, and many people use protein shakes after their workouts to aid this process. However, research suggests it doesn't matter whether you drink a protein shake before or after your workout.

What drink tightens skin?
What drink tightens skin?

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is present in matcha and green tea, can be used to reduce the appearance of drooping skin. In addition to...

Read More »
What is the best cheat food?
What is the best cheat food?

The Best Cheat Meal Ideas for Your Cheat Day 15 Healthy Cheat Meals & Snack Ideas. From pizza to milkshakes, these cheat foods surprisingly have a...

Read More »

Protein is necessary for muscle repair and growth. For this reason, many people consume protein supplements in the form of shakes along with their workouts. However, the optimal time to have a protein shake is a hotly debated topic. Some believe it’s best to drink a protein shake before a workout, whereas others argue that after a workout is ideal. This article explains whether it’s best to have a protein shake before or after your workout. Share on Pinterest How much protein do you need? The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight (1). The RDA is the estimated amount of a nutrient a person needs to avoid a deficiency. It doesn’t specify the amount needed to optimize body composition or health ( 2 ). For protein, it’s clear that the RDA is far too low to support muscle recovery and growth (3, 4 , 5 , 6 ). In fact, research suggests that people who routinely strength train may need double the RDA, or 0.72 grams per pound (1.6 grams per kg), to support muscle recovery and growth (3, 7 ). For a person weighing 150 pounds (68 kg), this equals a minimum of 109 grams of protein per day. To optimize your results, spread this amount over 3–4 meals that are consumed every 3–4 hours ( 8 , 9 ). A protein shake is a good option between meals, either as a snack or around your workout. Protein powders typically contain 25–30 grams of protein per scoop. Summary People who exercise regularly need more protein to support muscle recovery and growth. Consume your protein at equally spaced times throughout the day to maximize results. Does the ‘anabolic window’ matter? Many people believe drinking a protein shake within 30 minutes of exercise will maximize their results in the gym. This 30-minute window, commonly known as the “anabolic window,” is a short period of time during which your muscles are like a sponge for protein. The thought is that if you consume protein outside of the anabolic window, your body won’t effectively utilize it or build muscle (10). Research now suggests that this anabolic window of opportunity is much longer than 30 minutes and may not be limited to solely after exercise ( 11 , 12 , 13 ). In fact, it may not matter whether you drink a protein shake before or after your workout in terms of optimizing muscle repair and growth. Summary It was previously believed that protein had to be consumed within 30 minutes of a workout for your body to use it. Recent research suggests that this may not be the case. Should you increase your protein before or after a workout? One study compared the effects of consuming protein either before or after a workout on muscle strength and size. The researchers split 21 men into two groups, both of which received a protein shake containing 25 grams of protein. One group received it immediately before their workout, while the other group received it immediately after it ( 14 ). Everyone completed a full-body workout 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Interestingly, the study found no significant differences in muscle strength or size between the groups. These results suggest that as long as you consume protein around your workout, it doesn’t matter whether it’s before or after training. Therefore, you can choose which time you prefer or is most convenient for you. Summary Whether you drink a protein shake before or after your workout may not affect muscle strength or size. Daily protein intake may be more important When it comes to maximizing muscle and strength gains, research on the importance of consuming protein around your workouts is mixed. Some research has questioned whether consuming protein around your workout is even necessary ( 13 , 15 ). A few studies suggest it’s beneficial, while other research shows no effect ( 13 , 16 , 17 , 18 ). These opposing results continue to spur new research on the effects of consuming protein around exercise. Overall, studies find that total protein intake is the strongest predictor of muscle strength and size, regardless of whether you consume it close to exercise ( 8 , 18 , 19 ). Therefore, how much protein you consume per day is likely more important than when you consume it for gaining muscle size and strength. Summary The total amount of protein you consume each day is more important for muscle growth and strength than the timing of your intake.

What does it mean when a man has a big belly?
What does it mean when a man has a big belly?

A waist size greater than 40 inches indicates a man is at a high risk of type-2 diabetes and heart disease. This inflated, firm belly is due to an...

Read More »
What kills belly fat faster?
What kills belly fat faster?

The following sections look at specific ways to help get rid of belly fat. Focus on low calorie foods. ... Eliminate sugary drinks. ... Eat fewer...

Read More »

How to meet your protein target Both animal- and plant-based foods contain protein and can help you meet your daily protein goal. Meat, poultry, dairy, and fish are high quality animal sources of protein, while nuts, beans, legumes, and soy-based products are good sources of plant-based protein. Research suggests that animal-based protein is superior to plant-based protein for building muscle, but it’s beneficial to consume a combination of both ( 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ). Protein shakes can also be a convenient way to increase your protein intake, especially when you cannot get enough through food alone. The most common types of protein powders on the market include: Whey protein. Whey protein is a milk protein that your body absorbs quickly, making it useful before or after your workout. It also contains bioactive proteins that may offer other health benefits ( 24 ). Whey protein is a milk protein that your body absorbs quickly, making it useful before or after your workout. It also contains bioactive proteins that may offer other health benefits ( ). Casein protein. Casein is the other milk protein that your body digests much slower than whey, making it ideal during periods of fasting like sleep. What’s more, some brands of casein protein offer up to 60% of the RDA for calcium per scoop. Casein is the other milk protein that your body digests much slower than whey, making it ideal during periods of fasting like sleep. What’s more, some brands of casein protein offer up to 60% of the RDA for calcium per scoop. Egg protein. Egg protein powders are made with pure egg white protein. They digest at a medium rate and are one of the most expensive protein supplements on the market. Egg protein powders are made with pure egg white protein. They digest at a medium rate and are one of the most expensive protein supplements on the market. Soy protein. Soy protein is one of the few plant proteins that contains all of the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source for vegetarians. Soy protein is one of the few plant proteins that contains all of the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source for vegetarians. Rice and pea protein. Rice and pea proteins do not contain all of the essential amino acids, but combining them makes them a complete protein. They’re low allergenic, making them appealing to those with egg, dairy, or soy allergies. Summary Both animal and plant products are good sources of dietary protein. Protein shakes can also help you reach your daily protein target.

Are there pills to speed up metabolism?
Are there pills to speed up metabolism?

Some of the best natural metabolism boosting supplements for this are caffeine, capsaicin, green coffee bean extract, and green tea extract....

Read More »
Is size 12 considered fat?
Is size 12 considered fat?

US size 12–14 is usually considered “Large” and some brands do start “plus sizes” at 12.

Read More »

Are high protein diets safe? Healthy people can safely drink protein shakes ( 2 5 ). That said, shakes are not designed to replace meals. It’s best to use them between meals, and if you prefer, around your workouts. Many people fear that taking protein supplements in combination with a high protein diet can harm their health. That’s because high protein diets have been erroneously associated with kidney disease and osteoporosis, a disease characterized by weak and brittle bones. However, no evidence suggests that a high protein diet causes harm in people with healthy kidneys ( 26 , 27 , 28 ). Even those who consistently consume high protein diets, such as weightlifters, have healthy kidneys (29, 30 , 31 ). On the contrary, a high protein diet is associated with improved bone health. This may be because protein increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of bone fractures, especially when combined with strength training ( 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ). Therefore, unless your doctor or registered dietitian instructs you to limit your protein intake due to a medical condition, there is no need to fear a high protein diet. Summary You can use protein shakes in between meals to boost your protein intake. The majority of healthy people can safely follow a high protein diet.

What happens when you drink turmeric and ginger everyday?
What happens when you drink turmeric and ginger everyday?

Some studies suggest that ginger and turmeric could help decrease markers of inflammation, relieve chronic pain, reduce nausea, and improve immune...

Read More »
What over the counter supplement is similar to phentermine?
What over the counter supplement is similar to phentermine?

PhenQ, a supplement by Wolfson Berg Limited, is one of the best OTC diet pills available to support your diet and exercise efforts. The product has...

Read More »
What is the healthiest fruit in the world?
What is the healthiest fruit in the world?

Citrus fruits and berries may be especially powerful for preventing disease. A 2014 study ranked “powerhouse” fruit and vegetables by high nutrient...

Read More »
Why is hot lemon water good for you?
Why is hot lemon water good for you?

The vitamin C in lemons can help alleviate stress and fight viral infections and sore throats. Potassium is beneficial to heart health, as well as...

Read More »