Best Times to Drink Protein Shakes

There are many theories and practices when it comes to the different aspects of protein supplementation. One of those areas is when to take the supplements. Every lifter has theories based on practice or sage wisdom past down from veterans. One important thing to remember with protein shakes, no matter how digestible they are, is that it takes time to digest and process the proteins for use.

When To Drink Protein Shakes

There are some common times thrown out as ripe for protein use in the body. Those times include; with meals, between meals, pre-bedtime, first thing in the morning, pre-workout, and post-workout. We’ll take a look at each time and the benefit, or not, of drinking a protein shake at that time. Even though the protein is not immediately digested and used when taken in, the ingested protein does send a signal to the body to let it know that protein is on the way, so the body can start the processes or protein synthesis in the muscles.

Taking protein shakes with meals is simply a trick to get extra protein in. However, if the meal already contains a large amount of protein, this may be a waste of money. The body prefers protein from whole foods, and the vitamins and minerals from those foods are essential, as well. So, unless the meal is low in protein, it is best to eat a high protein meal and save the shakes for another time. On this same thought line is protein shakes between meals. This is a valid practice. This keeps amino acids floating in the blood stream for hourly needs. This is also a good way to reduce appetite at meal times for the dieting individual. A slower digesting protein between meals will keep the appetite under control.

When we sleep the body still continues to repair and build so overnight the body needs a steady supply of protein. Pre-bed protein shakes are a good idea, especially slow digesting proteins. This should be consumed about 60 minutes before bed and should be very low in carbohydrates. First thing in the morning is another vital time for protein intake. If breakfast is a high protein meal, then there may be no need for a shake, or possibly a half serving shake. This time sets the pace for the entire day, if there is enough protein in the system the body will continue repairing and begin building.

Protein Shakes Pre Workout

Pre-workout protein shakes are not a bad idea. Because of the digestion and processing time needed to get the amino acids into the system, this will make those amino acids ready for post workout repair. This should be a very easily digested protein that will not cause bloating or gas, because this will interrupt the intensity of the workout. This shake might also have some energy and focus enhancers like caffeine, ginseng, NO boosters, and others. Post-workout is another optimal intake time. The body is primed for protein at this time. It is beginning to repair the muscles, but will do this slowly if it does not have protein coming in. This is where the protein signaling comes in. If the body senses an influx of protein coming in it will scoff up those free floating amino acids and begin rapidly repairing the muscle. This new protein will then be processed and put to work building new muscle. The first protein shake should come within the first half hour after the workout, with a second to follow one to two hours after the workout, if a high protein meal is not planned within that time frame.

Good quality protein meals, interspersed with half serving protein drinks between meals, then a pre-workout protein supplement of easily digested protein (possibly with energy enhancers), followed by another easily digested protein shake post-workout, and topped off with a slow digesting protein shake an hour before bed will ensure that the body has the amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth 24/7.