When to Drink Protein Shakes? The Best Time to Drink Protein Shakes.
When taking protein shakes, everyone has one question. When to take these protein shakes? The answer is -There is no fixed time for drinking protein shakes as it differs from personal fitness goals and routines. Some prefer to take it before a workout or after a workout and some would prefer to replace protein shakes with their meals.
So if you're new to this weight loss and muscle-building journey, these might be a new thing to you. But protein shakes are significant for muscle building and weight loss journey. Here's how-
Role of Proteins Shakes in Weight Loss and Muscle Building.
Protein shakes are mainly used to build muscle or to lose weight. In the case of weight loss, protein shakes help you to feel full and this can prevent overeating during your weight loss journey. Adding high protein to your diet improves muscle growth and also targets weight loss. It is also suggested that you should do regular exercise with high protein diets to avoid weight gain.
Also in the case of muscle building, proteins are an important factor for your body. It is suggested to add resistance training and protein intake together to improve your physical performance and body recovery.
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Benefits of Protein Shakes
There are multiple benefits of protein shakes other than muscle building and weight loss. Let's see some of the other benefits of protein shakes.
1. Blood Regulation
Protein tends to regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the absorption of carbohydrates. This is beneficial for a person who has diabetes or those who are trying to reduce their blood sugar levels.
2. Convenient
Protein shakes are easier to make as they can be made even when you are not in your kitchen. You don't need to cook anything to get some protein, it's fast and portable.
3. Rebuild and Repair Muscle
Often people use protein shakes after their workouts. This helps them to repair and grow their muscles after a heavy intense workout.
4. Maintains Muscle Mass
According to WebMd, people need more protein as they age. For example, a person weighing 150 pounds needs at least 90 grams of protein per day. But it can be hard to get it alone from the food.
Can you drink protein shakes every day?
Many people like to skip protein-rich food and instead, they prefer to consume protein shakes which are high in protein. So, can you drink protein shakes every day? Yes, you can but you should also focus on eating protein-rich foods like milk, fish, almonds, and peanuts for other valuable natural essential nutrients which do not come from regular protein shakes.
Protein powder often lacks essential nutrients compared to natural protein-rich foods. There are many essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, Iron, Zinc, and Fiber, that are not presented in protein powders. They mainly focus on high protein content and fewer nutrients and carbs. If you want to know the best 5 natural foods that can help you build muscle, check it out here.
How many protein shakes should I have a day?
Now you know you can take protein shakes every day, but a new question arises - how many protein shakes can I consume a day? According to Men's Health, the maximum number of protein shakes you can take is three. But there is a condition. If you are not that active, it is suggested that you don't need more than one protein shake. But if you are a gymholic who spends their full day in the gym, you can take up to three protein shakes a day.
Best times to drink protein shakes
As I said earlier, the consumption of protein shakes mainly depends on the individual and their fitness goals. Many factors like age, health, and weight are also considered when selecting the right time to take protein shakes. But here are the suggested times to take protein shakes.
1. Protein Shake before workout
Protein intake before a workout is suggested for better amino acid production during your workouts. But the level of workout/exercise is also taken into consideration. If you're going to do a high-intensity workout, take a protein shake 30-45 minutes before the workout or you can take a protein-rich meal a couple of hours before the workout.
2. Protein Shake after workout
Taking a protein shake after a workout is a common practice now because the muscles often need protein to repair and grow after a workout. Taking a protein shake after 30 minutes of workout is suggested because, during this time, the body is more receptive to nutrient absorption.
3. Before Bed
Some people take protein shakes before going to bed, this is because during our sleep proteins can help to release amino acids which support muscle growth and recovery. Also drinking a protein shake before bed can help your body to have an energized day the next day.
Conclusion
There is no right time to take a protein shake, it mainly depends on the person's fitness goals and other crucial factors like age, health, and weight. We have also described the benefits of protein shakes as they help in weight loss, and muscle building and provide other crucial advantages for our body.
Yes, you can take protein shakes every day but some nutrients are lacking in protein shakes that are available in natural protein-rich foods. It is suggested that if you are very active and do high-intensity workouts, 2-3 protein shakes would be good to go. And if you're not that physically active then one protein shake a day is good enough to get sufficient proteins. There are 3 suggested times for taking protein shakes, that is - protein shake before a workout, after a workout, and before bed.
