When should I take my protein shake?

[jljl00]

If my daily schedule roughly looks like this:

10 am - breakfast
11 am - lift
noon - lunch
4-5 hours without physical activity
5-7 pm - basketball
8 pm - dinner

What time during the day should I drink a protein shake (if I only drink one a day)? Would it be better to drink it after lifting or after basketball?
Or does it not really even matter what time of day you take a protein shake?

Thanks in advance

[wishiwasdivin]

Timing really doesn't matter, just whenever it's convenient for you. It's used to fill the gaps if/when you fall short of hitting your daily #s through whole foods.

[danielmoo]

It doesn't matter a whole lot when you take the protein shake, but like wish said, that you meet your required protein intake for the whole day. If it just happens that you drink it after you lift, then that is fine. After basketball would be fine also - just a convenient way to get your protein in.

[The Solution]

It doesn't matter a whole lot when you take the protein shake, but like wish said, that you meet your required protein intake for the whole day. If it just happens that you drink it after you lift, then that is fine. After basketball would be fine also - just a convenient way to get your protein in.

This...
If you can not get whole food then you use a supplement to help "Supplement" protein intake and minimums
Try to aim for as much whole food as possible and utilize whey when necessary to reach the protein intake in the 24 hour period.

[TrainerTone]

Timing isn't of importance when it comes to protein shakes. Lately due to my schedule I have a protein shake after my workout and then eat lunch about an hour or so after that. All that matters is you hit the required amount of protein your body needs daily

[scmosesso]

If my daily schedule roughly looks like this:

10 am - breakfast
11 am - lift
noon - lunch
4-5 hours without physical activity
5-7 pm - basketball
8 pm - dinner

What time during the day should I drink a protein shake (if I only drink one a day)? Would it be better to drink it after lifting or after basketball?
Or does it not really even matter what time of day you take a protein shake?

Thanks in advance

IMO, using whole foods as much as possible to reach your protein intake for the day is ideal. However, we all know with our busy schedules that’s not always possible, so supplementing with protein shakes is a must to meet your target protein intake. In my experience, timing does matter. First, I like to consume a whey protein shake in milk as soon as I wake up (about an hour before eating a solid breakfast). Since your body has been fasting from your 6 to 9 hours of sleep, and in a catabolic state you need a fast digesting protein to stop the process. Second, I like to consume a whey protein shake immediately following my work out to refuel the muscles, maximize recovery and muscle protein synthesis (also add a BCAA supplement in here as well). Third, I like to consume some type of slow digesting protein right before bed (something containing micellar casein). This will prevent muscle breakdown by providing a slow steady stream of amino acids while you’re sleeping. This structure works for me, and I’ve seen improvement by going to this plan.

[jljl00]

Thanks, appreciate the input guys