Protein shake after running?

[BadgerDave]

I'm debating whether to have a protein shake after running or not (on my non-lifting days). No, I don't do HIIT, just a moderate pace jog (3 miles, takes me 25 mins usually). Here is what my eating schedule looks like:

8:30 am: breakfast
11:00 am: run
and lunch usually kicks in around 2-2:30

So basically I'm debating whether to have a protein shake at around 11:30 or 12. I guess the only advantage I see is to give my body some protein and make sure I'm not at a huge deficit by the time lunch rolls around.

And no I don't do 6 meals a day. I like 3 meals and it works for me. So don't tell me to instead eat more meals, that's not my question.

So would you say I should do a protein shake after cardio or not? Only reason I'd see not to is because it might interfere with the run's fat burning effects? I might be totally wrong about that though...

[FunkDaddy]

If you want to, go for it. Don't really need it after just a run though.

[LionChick]

with running usually post workout nutrition is 4:1 ratio. 4 carbs/1 protein. this however is usually for fairly intense runs. i take a protein shake after my runs for the same reason you do--- because if i didn't i'd be going like 8 hours without protein at all, which probably would not help my muscles repair themselves from the run and workout. maybe try a little whey in milk so you get some carbs and protein, if you can stomach it post run, or some isopure and light gatorade?

[Pacific-Baller]

It wouldn't hurt, that's for sure. If you don't want to take the protein shake, a couple glasses of milk would do you well

[Mr. Aries]

a small shake or a BCAA drink would suffice.