Does protein timing after workout matter?
The following are some great guidelines as far as when to eat certain proteins and what kinds at certain times during that day.
First thing in the Morning
The period between when you go to bed and wake up in the morning is the longest that your body goes without the food. “Break the fast” with protein timing . In addition to providing much needed amino acids for muscle. Maintenance and rebuilding, proteins provide more stable. Sustained energy than that donut or bagel that you’re currently chowing on. Opt for a faster-acting protein like whey first thing in the morning.
Pre-Workout
By drinking a whey protein shake about an hour before your workout, you’ll “prime” your bloodstream with BCAA’s (branched chain amino acids) and other essential amino acids for growth. Once again, whey protein is a good choice, because it’s easy to drink and quickly digested.
Post-Workout
The 30-60 minute time frame following exercise is the single most important time of the day to get protein. The enzymes and hormones in your muscles are actively repairing and rebuilding exercise-induced damage as well as replenishing glycogen stores. So they are especially receptive to nutrients. By supplying a post-workout recovery protein containing whey and casein during this “window” of opportunity, you’ll help ensure that you’re recharged and ready for your next training session.
Between Meals
Drinking a protein shake in between meals not only helps keep muscle synthesis maximized, it also helps keep body fat and body weight in check. Proteins help stimulate the release of gut hormones that trigger a feeling of fullness or satiety. Dairy proteins (whey, casein, and milk) are considered to be better appetite blunters than other protein sources – especially when combined with dietary fiber – so choose a product with one or more of these proteins if weight control is part of your goals.
Protein Timing – Before Bed
Prepare your body for the long fast ahead with a casein protein shake a half an hour before bed. Unlike whey which is rapidly broken down in the gut, casein is digested at a much slower rate releasing its amino acid constituents over several hours throughout the night while you sleep. For this reason, casein is commonly referred to as a time-released protein. Casein is also considered anti-catabolic because it’s rich in glutamine and other amino acids that help protect against muscle breakdown.
source: MuscleFire.com
Image source: esyrecipes.blogspot.com
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
Really useful article, thank you.
I drink protein shake only once per day after workout and it is whey protein. Sometimes I use BCAA.
thanks for the replies to this article!
it’s a great one for refreshing your memory or to just get started the right way with protein intake.
@ironman – yes, post workout is the most important…”Post = Most”
hopefully more fitness buffs will find this useful too!
Ryan Lund
Founder/CEO
MuscleFire / clothing co.
A really useful article!
great lab btw. thx 4 the pics!