Whey Protein Shake -
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Protein Drink After Or Before Workout?
This question has been asked a lot: Protein Drink After or Before Workout? Most fitness pros prefer post workout consumption. Here is why.
You see, your protein drink contains very little carbs, and over 90% high quality whey protein. And protein is not the preferred energy source for the body. You are drinking protein shakes with the primary intention to build lean muscle mass. But protein can be converted into energy when needed. It's like converting "diamonds" to energy though. The body prefer not to do this as it's much more difficult to convert protein into energy.
Since protein shakes cost good money, you do not want good protein to go to waste. You want them to fulfill their primary purpose, which is to help you build lean muscle mass and boost your metabolism. So if you drink protein shakes before a workout, chances are much of the protein will go to waste.
Research shows that the body is thirsty for protein right after a workout. There is a one hour window when the body actually absorbs much of the protein that goes in it. For this reason, many athletes and bodybuilders choose to drink they protein shakes AFTER an intense workout. By doing so, they are making full use of the protein shakes' capabilities - which is to help repair muscle tissue and aid muscle growth.
If you really want to drink the protein shake before the workout, consume the shake at least one hour before the workout. This will give the body time to digest and absorb the protein. Most whey protein shakes are made from fast digesting protein such as whey protein isolates. So they go pretty fast into the body right after consumption. After an hour or so, they will be gone.
So how do you ensure that you have a protein shake available right after your workout? If you workout at a gym, you can purchase ready made whey protein shakes at about $6 a pack. This is a considerable sum of money if you add up all the sessions you spend at the gym. The next best thing is to prepare your own whey protein shakes. Buy a quality protein shake, which costs less than $20, and mix milk or plain water with the whey protein powder. Then bring the entire drink with you to your workout.
After your workout, assuming it's intense enough, you will find the protein shake to be extremely tasty. Perhaps your thirst may have something to do with it. :)
