whey protein before or after workout?

[cr25ovet]

this might be a stupid question. i would assume after workout but i am not sure.

[ArchAngel'73]

Anytime.
It doesn't have to just be taken around workouts. I know a competitor that only "ate" whey for protein for the 3 months before his show.

[Jill75]

This have been asked in another thread but in connection with casein. In an article I found, it is advisable to take whey in the morning for muscle building and casein before going to bed for muscle repair. AS casein and whey have different amino acid components.

[boathead]

imo it is most important after, about 30 minutes post workout.

i also try to take some about an hour beforehand. of course, a steady supply of protein is good throughout the day.

[ntrllftr]

This have been asked in another thread but in connection with casein. In an article I found, it is advisable to take whey in the morning for muscle building and casein before going to bed for muscle repair. AS casein and whey have different amino acid components.

The main reason is that Whey is a faster acting while casein takes longer to digets. In the morning you want the body to get it now. At night you want it to work longer since you will be in a fasted state.

[snorkelman]

Well, it is important to get some source of protein both pre and post workout. Whether you choose whey powder, casein powder, flesh,. cottage cheese, etc. is really up to your preference.

Some studies show casein as superior (in spite of higher leucine content ion the whey treatments).

The safest route if you are talking about powders is probably to take a whey/casein blend around your workouts.

[2nd_chance]

In addition to all the other times, I get up at 3 in the morning every night and take one.

[Analyst]

Post workout, your muscles are in a very receptive state for nutrition. However, most research on this is done on people who haven't had anything else to eat for a while (fasted). In reality, getting a dose of protein immediately post workout is less important than getting sufficient protein/carbs throughout the day. Food isn't digested instantly.

[BergMuscle]

Your muscles need protein post-training to rebuild the "damage" done by heavy exercise. (It is damage - controlled and planned damage, but damage none the less.) Whether you get it from whole food or a protein drink really depends upon the time of day and what you have available within 30 minutes after training, which is the best time to "feed" those muscles and help their recovery.

[cr25ovet]

thanks for all the advice. appreciate the help!!!!

[whey_chubby]

both. You should have some protein about an hour before your workout and again within 30 minutes after your workout.

[Fifty+]

Post workout, your muscles are in a very receptive state for nutrition. However, most research on this is done on people who haven't had anything else to eat for a while (fasted). In reality, getting a dose of protein immediately post workout is less important than getting sufficient protein/carbs throughout the day. Food isn't digested instantly.

Everything is relative. The people on this forum are bodybuilders/weight lifters and fasting is not moving in the right direction. Food will take a couple of hours to break down and metabolise, but predigested foods, like meal replacements and protein powders are designed to metabolise very quickly. A smart idea to feed the muscles you just worked in the gym.

[jimg1220]

Your muscles need protein post-training to rebuild the "damage" done by heavy exercise. (It is damage - controlled and planned damage, but damage none the less.) Whether you get it from whole food or a protein drink really depends upon the time of day and what you have available within 30 minutes after training, which is the best time to "feed" those muscles and help their recovery.

Do you take protein on days you dont work out?

[LyingSac]

both

[Fifty+]

Do you take protein on days you dont work out?

Personally, I not only keep my protein intake up on off days, I increase my carbs a bit. I have a little more energy the next day for my workout.

[SP1966]

Rumor has it the guy who started the following thread knows what he is talking about. He should, he's been around since the beginning of time!

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=115262431

He makes it pretty clear that the focus on protein intake is a all day long battle, not just pre/post workouts. A pre/post workout protein shake will probably do little good overall if you don't follow through all day long!