Research shows that it doesn’t really matter if you have a protein shake before or during your workout. The most important thing is your daily total protein intake.
For muscle growth and repair, protein is essential. Many people drink protein shakes during their workouts. The best time to drink a protein shake remains a controversial topic.
Some people believe that it is best to consume a protein shake prior to a workout. Others argue that it is better to drink one after a workout.
How many grams of protein do you require?
The Recommended Daily Allowance for Protein (RDA) is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8g per kg) of body weight.
RDA stands for the recommended daily allowance of a nutrient that a person must consume in order to avoid deficiency. The RDA does not specify how much is needed to optimize your body’s composition or improve your health.
It is clear that the RDA for protein is too low to support the growth and recovery of muscle muscles.
Research suggests that those who strength train regularly may require twice the RDA (or 0.72 grams per pound) to help with muscle recovery and growth.
This is for a 150-pound (68-kg) person. It equals a minimum of 109 grams of protein daily.
Spread this amount over 3-4 meals, which should be consumed every 3-4 hours to maximize your results.
A protein shake can be used as a snack or to fuel your workout. Protein powders usually contain between 25-30 grams of protein per scoop.
Are the ‘anabolic windows’ important?
Many people believe that consuming a protein shake 30 minutes before going to the gym will increase their workout results.
The “anabolic window,” also known as the 30-minute window, is a brief period during which your muscles absorb protein like a sponge.
It is believed that protein consumed outside the anabolic window will not be used effectively by your body or help you build muscle.
Research suggests that the anabolic window for opportunity may last longer than 30 minutes and is not limited to exercise.
It doesn’t matter if you have a protein shake before or during your workout if it helps to maximize muscle growth and repair.
Do you need to increase your protein intake before or after a workout?
One study examined the impact of protein intake on muscle strength and size.
Researchers divided 21 men into two groups. Each group received a protein shake with 25 grams of protein. The first group was given the protein shake immediately prior to their workout, while the second group was given it afterward.
For 10 weeks, everyone did a complete-body workout three times per week.
The study showed no significant differences between the groups in terms of muscle strength or size. These results indicate that protein consumption should be done before and after your training.
You can therefore choose the time that you prefer or is most convenient for you.
A higher intake of protein may be necessary.
Research on the importance of protein in maximizing muscle and strength gains is mixed.
Research has shown that protein intake around your workout is important.
While some studies have shown it to be beneficial, others show no benefit.
These contradictory results continue to inspire new research about the effects of protein consumption on exercise.
Studies have shown that the best predictor of muscle strength is total protein intake, regardless of how close you exercise.
It is more important to consume protein per day than it is to build muscle strength and muscle size.
How do you meet your protein goal?
Both plant-based and animal-based foods are rich in protein, which can help you reach your daily protein goal.
High-quality protein sources include meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. However, nuts, beans, and legumes are excellent sources of plant-based proteins.
Research shows that animal-based protein is better than plant-based protein when it comes to building muscle. However, it’s good to consume both.
Protein shakes are a great way to get more protein than you can eat.
These are the most popular protein powders available on the market:
- Whey protein. Whey protein is a fast-absorbing milk protein. It can be used before or after a workout. It also contains bioactive protein that could offer other health advantages.
- Casein protein. Cain protein is another milk protein that your body can digest much more slowly than whey. This makes it great for fasting periods like sleep. Some brands of casein protein can provide as much as 60% of the RDA calcium per scoop.
- Egg protein. Protein powders made from egg white protein are made with the purest of ingredients. They are digested at a moderate rate and are the most expensive protein supplement on the market.
- Soy protein. Soy protein is one of the few plant protein sources that have all the essential amino acids. It’s a complete source of protein for vegetarians.
- Pea protein and rice. Although they do not contain all the essential amino acids but are combined to make them complete proteins, rice and pea proteins combine them. They are low in allergens, which makes them attractive to people with soy, egg, and dairy allergies.
Are high-protein diets safe?
Protein shakes are safe for healthy people.
However, shakes should not be used to replace meals. You can use shakes between meals and, if you like, during your workouts.
People are concerned that protein supplements taken in conjunction with high-protein diets can cause harm to their health.
This is because high-protein diets were incorrectly associated with osteoporosis and kidney disease, which are both diseases characterized by fragile and weak bones.
There is no evidence that high-protein diets cause harm to healthy kidneys.
Even people who eat high-protein diets, such as weightlifters, have healthy kidneys.
A high-protein diet is linked to better bone health. Protein increases bone mineral density and decreases the likelihood of fractures. This is especially true when it is combined with strength training.
A high-protein diet is not something you should be afraid of unless your doctor or registered Dietitian tells you otherwise.
The bottom line
Protein is important for rebuilding and repairing muscles after exercise. Many people drink protein shakes after a workout to help this process.
Research suggests that it doesn’t really matter if you have a protein shake before or during your workout. It is your daily total protein intake that matters most.
Although protein shakes are great for between meals and during workouts, it’s important to ensure you get enough throughout the day. You can achieve your goals with both food and supplements.
Healthy people can use protein shakes when they are following a high-protein diet.