When to use protein powder

S

step_a_holic

Cathlete
Hi everyone. I've been reading alot about protein powder and have been wanting to try it. Are you supposed to use this prior to your workout or after? Or does it even matter?

Also, does it aid in burning the fat? I have seen great results with Cathe and eating clean and can see definition but still have a layer of fat that I can't get rid of. Especially on my upper abdomen. I'm just wondering if incorportating a whey protein powder, like Designer Whey, would make a difference.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Melissa
 
Hi Melissa,
I have the Designer Whey French Vanilla protein powder, and in my opinion, it doesn't matter when you have it. I have it every morning in my coffee. (YUM:9) I would recommend having a different kind of protein 9drink, powder or bar) before or after a workout. For example I have a protein shake called Pure Protein after almost every workout. it conotains 35 grams of protein! Also, before my 4 hour gymnastics practice have a can of 50 Gram Slam protein drink tha has 50 grams of protein. (GNC brand) Overall, it doesn't really matter when you have your added protein, I just wouldn't suggest it too late at night, liek maybe after 8:00 because of the calories. They don't have tons, just 160 in the Pure Protein and 240 in the 50 Gram Slam and 90 in the Desinger WHey powder. That's not bad, but really good for working out, or early in the morning. Not late at night. I hope this helps!

Bon Appite!

~Adri;-)
|_|_|
|_|_|
|_|_|
 
I don't think that it really matters when you use protein powder during the day. You just have to be careful about too much extra protein. Overloading on protein is really hard on your kidneys to begin with, but especially if you don't drink lots of water! Also, your body really doesn't like burning protein as fuel. It's favorite fuel is complex carbs (in addition to protein). It will burn protein if forced to, but again, it's really hard on the kidneys (kidneys can't filter out myoglobin which is a by-product of protein breakdown).

Personally, I used protein powders sparingly. I love Protein Delight because of the flavors (and they have little flavor chunks in them), but I only have 2-3/wk and usually right after a killer workout if it's going to be a long time before I am able to re-fuel with real food.

HTH!
 
A protein drink is good in the morning. Also, as an afternoon snack. Or an hour or so before a workout.

After a workout, it's best to have a snack with about 250-300 calories that has a 4-to-1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein (save more protein for later) to help wit recovery.
 
Kathryn

You posts are always so helpful. I'm doing p90x (day 3!) and am finding I REALLY need the extra protien (I am loving my pnut butter and celery for the snack!)

I was wondering if a recovery drink is really necessary and the ration etc. Sounds like it from what you said. I've never worked so far as with this rotation and finding my body really needs more fuel and better fuel!. I think you did the rotation and I'm following the diet (closely). My son turns 18 tommorrow and I'm going off it for that!
 
Kathryn, I have to agree with Robyn. I find your posts extremely helpful. Thank you for the info regarding the protein powder. Do you have any examples of an after-workout snack that has a 4:1 carb to protein ratio?

Thanks, Melissa
 
> Do you have any examples of an after-workout
>snack that has a 4:1 carb to protein ratio?

I like something easy to digest and quick, so I whip up some kind of smoothie. I take the meal replacement powders I have on hand (Vega, Nutiva smoothie mixes) and cobble together someting that has about that ratio (for example, adding frozen fruit if I need more carbs in the mix, which I do with Vega). When I was doing P90X, I would drink a Power Dream soy beverage afterwards, which has about the right mix. I haven't been able to find them for a long time, so don't know if it's even available anymore.

Here's a link to an article about refueling workouts (by the way, this isn't where I got my info about it: Beachbody and Brendan Brazier and others all mention the same 4-to-1 ratio):

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/Nutrition_articles.asp?id=627&page=3

A quote: "Sports nutritionists recommend that active people eat about 250-300 calories (with a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein) within 90 minutes after exercising. This breaks down to about 50-60 grams of carbs and 12-15 grams of protein."

It's nice to know the approximate number of grams: I always kind of guesstimated!
 
>Kathryn
>
>You posts are always so helpful. I'm doing p90x (day 3!) and
>am finding I REALLY need the extra protien (I am loving my
>pnut butter and celery for the snack!)
>

Robyn,
Have you found you need more rest as well? Weeks 1 and 2 of P90X seem the hardest. I was napping a lot more when I did them!
 
Hi Kathryn:

Oh yes, when my head hits the pillow, I'm out! I don't remember "falling asleep". I'm doing the eating too. I think I've been VERY low on protein for year - I did my first protein drink this am - designer whey soy/ milk/bananas/blue berries!

I'm also on the first week honeymoon of the workout so I think it's all balancing out! If it's possible I'm feeling more toned already. :) Probably psychological ;)

I'm posting to beach body p90x and a few cathe folks are there too
 
Hi Kathryn:

Oh yes, when my head hits the pillow, I'm out! I don't remember "falling asleep". I'm doing the eating too. I think I've been VERY low on protein for year - I did my first protein drink this am - designer whey soy/ milk/bananas/blue berries!

I'm also on the first week honeymoon of the workout so I think it's all balancing out! If it's possible I'm feeling more toned already. :) Probably psychological ;)

I'm posting to beach body p90x and a few cathe folks are there too
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top