When to drink protein

[WhoTookMyUsername]

i ended up buying some protein just because i'm going to be going to gym mostly straight before school, so i don't really have time to consume any protein afterwards. I was doing a bit of research on when to drink it, some people say before excercise; others say after, what's your opinion??

Is it best to drink a bit before and a bit after, or just after??

[Russ]

After, no reason to drink it before

[WhoTookMyUsername]

Before exercise the protein shake will help preserve lean tissue (muscle) by decreasing exercise induced catabolism (muscle breakdown) and will provide a small amount of energy. Post exercise the protein shake will aid recovery (but more so when combined with carbohydrate) as the protein/amino acids will be available for energy and lean tissue regeneration.

Does this hold any truth from a biological perspective or is the muscle breakdown to small to have an effect (it does seem logical to me with my limited knowledge)?

[Russ]

I am not an exercise physiologist but what I gather is that the breakdown of muscle will make the tissue more susceptible to amino acid uptake and thus growth post exercise.

[lexitu]

I am not an exercise physiologist but what I gather is that the breakdown of muscle will make the tissue more susceptible to amino acid uptake and thus growth post exercise.

You're hired. If you look at a graph of where the best period to consume protein is, there'll be slightly better gains from about 0-30 mins after exercise (but not that significant), then 30-120 drops off slightly more, then there's a big dip after two hours.

Since you've bought protein for the sake of convenience, you may as well consume it as soon as you finish. No need before or during.

[shinny]

I tend to just eat proper food beforehand (lunch, or if it's in the afternoon, might down 2 cans of tuna+crackers etc), and take a shake immediately after my workout. I've eventually gotten used to just making my shakes with water at the gym to get it in faster. But yeh, I find it difficult to really exert myself unless I've got some carbs on-board, so eating a bit beforehand seems to work for me.

[taiga]

Whey protein directly after as it's fast absorbed.

I've never studied any biology or anything, but in my simplified mind during the workout you 'tear' the muscles, and straight after you repair them with protein and that gives ya size.

Casein protein is more slow absorbing so it's best to consume it in the evening to inhibit catabolism throughout your sleep. You can take it in the morning too.

[kensan]

If your only taking it once a day, straight after workout. If you can afford two serves a day, then take the second on as soon as you get up. Before working out (like an hour before) have a meal with complex carbs and protein (chicken, tuna, beef etc).
Also post workout have a piece of fruit, I read somewhere that the insulin spike the sugar causes in your body helps the protein to be delivered to your muscles more effectively. Not sure if this is 100% correct, think I read in on bb.com

[Bhootnike]

I only have it post workout, but thats cause my diet is high in protein already. i dont need to have 3 shakes a day. i only use protein for the sake of quick absorption and recovery.
best to consult some professional, since this is largely determined by your diet.

but, assuming you workout at like 2, and have a low D.I of protein, i'd go: morning upon awakening, after workout, before bed. and for non training days, morning, midday, before bed.

some people have protein shakes pre, and post workout.

up to you in the end.

also , type of protein is also a factor.

[acinod]

After every workout.

Additionally also when you wake up and before you go sleep (combine with milk)

[WhoTookMyUsername]

Is it ok to make the shake at home then take it to school? Or best to make it fresh ( and why)?

[paulsterio]

Well it has milk in it, so you'll have to keep it refrigerated!

[lexitu]

Is it ok to make the shake at home then take it to school? Or best to make it fresh ( and why)?

No clue, but I can think of one reason for making it fresh - do you really want that to leak in your bag?

[Hutchoo]

Is it ok to make the shake at home then take it to school? Or best to make it fresh ( and why)?

No clue, but I can think of one reason for making it fresh - do you really want that to leak in your bag?

Just put the powder in a cup and use water at school to fill it up?

[WhoTookMyUsername]

Milk tastes much better though