When to Drink Protein Shakes

Protein shakes come in all forms and sizes and seem to be more popular today than ever before because of the numerous benefits.

However, not all protein shakes are the same and when to drink protein shakes makes a difference when and what benefits you’ll get out protein shakes. The amounts of protein, fat or carbohydrates change from product to product and the kind of benefit you’re looking for should help you determine when to drink protein shakes. You can find different flavors in ready-to-drink forms or powders you mix with milk or water, but knowing when to drink your protein shake depends primarily on the benefits your looking for.

Because there are so many different types of protein powders and shakes out there, knowing when to drink what type of protein shakes can be confusing. Here is a list of benefits and when you should be taking your protein to help you understand protein powders and shakes.

When Should Athletes Drink Protein Shakes?

If endurance athletes aren’t worried about protein levels, they should consider examining how much protein they take in daily. Protein actually aids in recovery after hard workouts because they restore muscle glycogen, the source that the body uses for energy during workouts. So if you’re looking for help to recover, the best time to take your protein is right after an intense workout.

Many athletes from football players to cyclists can be found drinking protein shakes following practice, games or competitions because of the benefits that come to speeding the muscle recovery process.

On the other hand, athletes who strength train are probably acutely aware of how much protein they are getting each day. Protein is a big part of the weightlifting culture, unlike its opposite, the endurance culture. But for increased gains in size, strength and muscle mass, you’ll want to take protein following a workout as well. Protein helps fuel the muscle-building process so you get more out of the workout.

Endurance athletes should consume around 1-1.6g of protein for every kilogram of body weight. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for endurance athletes, so consuming the highest amount of protein is not beneficial to athletic performance. Endurance athletes should be aware of the protein they are taking and avoid mass gainer proteins and stick with protein powders that include anywhere from 20 to 27 grams of protein per serving.

For weightlifters, experts recommend consuming 1.6-2g of protein for every kilogram of weight. This is because the higher amount of protein aids in faster muscle recovery and growth. Depending on your goals, a mass gainer protein with 30 to 50 grams of protein may be what you’re looking for, but even a protein powder with 25 to 35 grams of protein can prove beneficial.

When Should You Drink a Protein Shake to Lose Weight?

Increasing your protein consumption is a great way to increase your chances of losing weight when added to a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Because you lose muscle mass in addition to losing fat during regular weight loss, adding protein can help prevent muscle loss while increasing muscle.

By increasing muscle mass, you actually can burn more calories. For every pound of muscle you add, you burn between 40 to 50 more calories a day.

With the added protein, you supply your body the key nutrient leucine, which promotes a higher metabolism. And if that’s not enough to encourage you to add protein, additional protein can prevent cravings and help control your appetite.

If you”re looking for the weight loss benefits of increasing protein in your diet, you should look for protein shakes higher in protein, where somewhere around 50% of the product is made of protein with the remaining percent comprised of carbohydrates and fat.

The ideal time for when to drink protein shakes if your goal is losing weight can be any time during the day. Protein shakes are regularly used by those looking to lose weight as a meal replacement, most commonly in the morning, but they can be used to replace any meal or as a snack between meals. Because you want to keep your calorie intake low, be sure to include the calories from the protein shake as part of the calories you consume. Protein shakes can contain anywhere from 200 to 500 calories so if you want to use it as a meal replacement, it works because many meals exceed that calorie count.

When to Take Protein Shakes to Increase Protein?

Additional protein from a protein shake isn’t necessary for every individual, but there are benefits to increasing your protein with a protein shake. The additional protein you get from a protein shake can help you have fewer infections, suffer less heat exhaustion and prevent muscle soreness.

Recent studies show just 10 g of additional protein can help you get the added benefits. Many people use a protein powder as a meal replacement to reduce their calorie intake.

If you feel like you don’t really fit perfectly into the groups listed above but live an active lifestyle, look for a protein shake that has a mid-range amount of protein. You want to make sure you are getting enough but not overdoing it.

The average gym-goer should shoot for around .75g of protein for every kilogram of body weight. If you are incredibly active, go ahead and take a little more.

Protein shakes are not absolutely necessary because it is possible to get enough protein from your diet, but it is easy to add if you feel as though you aren’t getting enough.

You can choose a protein powder or shake that is higher in protein if you don’t often eat meat. On the other hand, if you just need a small boost of protein, you can choose a product that is a little lower in protein. The bottom line with finding the right protein supplement is to find the right supplement to fit your life and eating habits.

If you’re just looking to add protein to your diet with a protein shake, anytime after exercise is a great time to drink your protein shake, and it can also be used as a meal replacement for any meal or snack.

Getting the Most out of a Protein Shake

If you are living a very active lifestyle and feel like your performance can benefit from increasing protein, a protein shake might be a great option for you. Knowing when to take your protein is just one step to seeing results, finding the right protein shake can make a significant different too.

Myotein is one of the best protein shakes we’ve seen no matter the benefits you’re looking for. Myotein can be used as sparingly or as much as you like. Whether you’re just looking to add a little more protein or you want serious amounts, Myotein works perfectly to meet your needs. Myotein is great to use after a workout or as a meal replacement or during the day at anytime.

With 6 different type of protein, Myotein helps you get the best benefits possible from using a protein shake. If you’re interested in Myotein, you can visit Myotein.com for more information.