After Workout Drinks??

[roses_92123]

It wasn't until I started browsing around these forums that I have heard of drinking a shake/protein/carb mixture after a workout. I have even worked out with personal trainers and I cannot remember them ever recommending to me a drink to have post-work out session.

My question for all of you wise and helpful ladies (and gents) is where the heck should I start with an after workout drink? I mean, should you have a different blend after say a cardio session vs a weight training session?

What is the purpose of these drinks...to satiate the appetite or is there some grander purpose?

---Sorry in advance if this topic has been covered or if my questions seem SOOOOO amature-ish!! }( Hey...I learnin' here!

 

[trunyon]

I'm not really good at explanations but I believe protein shakes are excellent for muscle recovery. I found a bunch of information on the www.jayrobb.com website. I'm sure you will get alot better anwsers but until then, maybe this website will help.

 

[red_mct]

They're designed to aid in muscle recovery. I drink the same one whether I am doing cardio or strength, but I know there are some ladies who drink them only for weight days. Right now I am using the extra-super-delicious P90X recovery formula (www.beachbody.com) but I also like the EAS (Body for Life) products, which you can buy at Walmart. WARNING: I do NOT mean Myoplex (which I liked at first but now tastes like a chemical brew to me), but rather the EAS "powdered soy protein" solution. It tastes good and is reasonably priced.

Marie

 

[roses_92123]

Thanks Marie and Tina for your help! I will check out Jay Robb's website and see what I can gain from his advice.

 

[kathryn]

After a weight workout, immediately post-workout, an easily-digested food with near a 4-to-1 carb to protein ratio is ideal, with a higher protein meal about an hour later. The body needs to replenish glycogen (sugar) quickly to change from break-down mode (catabolism) to build-up mode (anabolism) and the 4-to-1 ratio does just that.

 

[Flyweight]

>After a weight workout, immediately post-workout, an
>easily-digested food with near a 4-to-1 carb to protein ratio
>is ideal, with a higher protein meal about an hour later.
>The body needs to replenish glycogen (sugar) quickly to change
>from break-down mode (catabolism) to build-up mode (anabolism)
>and the 4-to-1 ratio does just that.
>
>

I agree. People like overload the protein right after a work out and I think a lot of it's wasted. Your body needs to replenish carbs at that point. Chocolate milk is an easy and inexpensive way to get what you need. Even endurance athletes consume more carbs than protein after a work out and I think they work more intensely than most of us here. If you read the excellent texts published by the NSCA (which I do) for personal trainers, they mention having a high carb or well-balanced drink/meal after a work out.

You're better off with a glass of chocolate milk post workout and a balanced meal an hour or so later.

The "recovery" drink manufacturers are out to make money.

 

[kathryn]

>The "recovery" drink manufacturers are out to make money.

I agree.

I will either make a smoothie or, if I'm extra lazy!, just grab some chocolate soy milk.

Here's a link to an article about post-workout 'refueling,' and why the 4-to-1 carbs-to-protein ratio is so important (the P90X "recovery drink" has this ratio, and it's often mentioned in other sources):
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/Nutrition_articles.asp?id=627&page=3