When do you drink your protein shakes?

[gidget1978]

...in order to get the most out of them?
I have recently been trying to drink my shake after my weights, which I do before cardio.If I put weight training last, I usually don't do it!:-(
So, I do my weights, take a tiny break,drink my shake,and about 15 min later, I do cardio.Am I benefiting from my shake at all or should I wait until I am totally finished working out?
What does everyone else do? I am also going to add a second shake in my day, just not sure where.I have so much protein powder in my kitchen! I need to drink it before they get out dated.
Lori

 

[Mckmain]

I drink my protein smoothie every morning after my workout, no matter whether it was cardio or weights......Carole

 

[lov2bfit]

Right after my morning workout, especially after a weight training workout.

Katie

 

[bceogirl]

Ditto what Carole said

 

[tillard]

I only drink protein shakes on an occasional basis (preferring to get my protein from whole foods), but when I do use them I use them as a meal and it's usually breakfast when I use them. It's my understanding that protein shakes really aren't a "recovery drink" post exercise. What your body needs immediately following strenuous workouts is carbs not proteins. Don't get me wrong you need protein throughout the day, especially if you're lifting weights, but drinking a bunch of protein right after you lift, at least from what I've read, isn't necessary. Just make sure you get adequate protein throughout the day dispersed throughout your five to six mini meals. You're body can't assimilate too much protein at one time anyway, therefore it's actually better to get lower doses spread out throughout the entire day.

Secondly, if losing weight is a goal of yours (not sure if it is or not) it may not be a good thing to have your body trying to digest all of those calories while also doing your cardio (you had mentioned drinking your protein shake right before you do your cardio). In my opinion I'd save the protein shake for an hour or so after you've finished your workout...while having a recovery sort of "snack/meal" immediately following your workout...this recovery snack would be something that's 4 parts carbs to 1 part protein.

Not sure if this helped at all...or even answered your question . But just thought I'd chime in .

Deni

 

[Shelbygirl]

I drink my protein shake within an hour after doing a weight workout. If I"m doing cardio after my weight workout, I always wait until my entire workout is finished.

Shelbygirl

 

[gidget1978]

Thanks girls! That was alot of great info. I am now trying to get rid of a low carb strawberry shake I have. Its 90 cals and 2 grams of carbs and I think it as 30 grams of protein.I will probably get another 5 shakes out it and then I will have to buy some more. After I posted this question, I looked at the date on my protein powder and it was dated for Dec 05 so I got rid of it.

Thanks again!
Lori

 

[kathryn]

> What your body needs
>immediately following strenuous workouts is carbs not
>proteins. Don't get me wrong you need protein throughout the
>day, especially if you're lifting weights, but drinking a
>bunch of protein right after you lift, at least from what I've
>read, isn't necessary.
I agree. The "protein shake after a workout" isn't the best solution.

I've seen many references to having something that's about 4 parts carbs to 1 part protein right after working out. Two examples: Beachbody's 'recovery drink' is based on that (and I think they've done the research). Brendan Brazier has some 'recovery'recipes that have that proportiion of carbs to protein.

What the body needs at that time is to start replenishing glycogen stores, thus the carbs. This is even the best time to eat 'bad carbs" if you have a craving for them, because the body will actually be able to use them to a purpose.

 

[Fitnessfreak366]

I agree with Deni. I eat steel cut oats with peanut butter and apples right after my workout. I drink my protein shake at 8 p.m. in the evening, this gives me the protein and energy I need to do my early morning workout.