Whey Protein Shake -
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Best Time To Have Protein Shake
This question gets asked a lot - when is the best time to have a protein shake? The answer is a straight forward one.
Some people want to know the exact time to consume a protein shake. For instance, we see people searching for information on the time to consume protein shakes on non-workout days.
However, there is no need to base protein consumption to such precise timings. That will only stress you out as you may find yourself having to force yourself to drink protein shakes at precise timings. This may not be a practical approach. Perhaps only serious bodybuilders do this because they want to be competitive and are therefore very strict with their diets. For many others, going to such extreme is not necessary.
In general, just remember that protein shakes are meant to be taken as supplements. And such supplements are meant to help boost muscle growth and repair. So keep in mind your daily protein needs, and then drink your protein shakes throughout the day. For instance, if your intention is to consume 60 grams of whey protein for the day, then you can divide this amount and drink 1 protein shake during breakfast, and 1 protein shake before going to bed.
If you are working out, the best time to consume whey protein shakes is right after your workout - i.e. within a one hour period. Some bodybuilders have commented that they find it most effective if they drink their shakes immediate, within 10 mins after workout. They do this because they believe the body can absorb protein quickest.
Also, be reminded that whey protein is absorbed very quickly by the body. So the wisest thing to do is to spread out the consumption - a scoop of protein powder in the cereals, 2 scoops in a protein shake, 1 scoop in a glass of milk before bed time and so forth.
Here is more information on when to take whey protein shakes.
Knowing when to take protein shakes will allow you to achieve maximum results out of your workouts. But there is no need to stress over specific times. The most important thing is to be able to meet your daily protein needs. If you miss consuming a protein shake during breakfast, then just make up for it during the rest of the day.
The recommended approach is to consume 20 to 40 grams of protein powder with each meal, depending on your own daily protein needs. If you take 5 meals a day, 20 grams of protein per meal work out to be about 100 grams of protein just from whey powder alone. The rest of the protein can come from other foods such as meat or soy.
By spreading out the protein powder consumption, the body has a steady supply of high quality proteins to build strong muscles throughout the entire day.
And oh, don't forget to drink a low calorie protein shake before going to bed! You can make one easily by mixing protein powder with a glass of cold water. The body needs protein at night to continue building muscles.
