Take protein after workout even if hit protein/cals goal?

[AdamFrostburg]

So I already hit my protein/calories goal for the day. I’m on a cut. I worked out later in the day, several hours after consuming everything. Should I still have a protein shake, or just drink water and go to bed? I heard that you should always have some protein after you work out. But I already consumed more protein than I need today, several hours prior to working out, while remaining in my calorie range. If I do take more protein, I will definitely go over my calories.

[AdamWW]

So I already hit my protein/calories goal for the day. I’m on a cut. I worked out later in the day, several hours after consuming everything. Should I still have a protein shake, or just drink water and go to bed? I heard that you should always have some protein after you work out. But I already consumed more protein than I need today, several hours prior to working out, while remaining in my calorie range. If I do take more protein, I will definitely go over my calories.

I don’t understand how having a protein shake or some yogurt containing around 100 calories would make any difference.

If you’re cutting, I’m guessing you’re at least in a 300+ calorie daily deficit... so even if you had a shake, you’re still losing fat.

But in general, it’s not necessary... it’s just one day

[MikeK46]

So I already hit my protein/calories goal for the day. I’m on a cut. I worked out later in the day, several hours after consuming everything. Should I still have a protein shake, or just drink water and go to bed? I heard that you should always have some protein after you work out. But I already consumed more protein than I need today, several hours prior to working out, while remaining in my calorie range. If I do take more protein, I will definitely go over my calories.

If you had a large meal just prior to training, I'd say don't even worry about it, as it's still digesting. But you ate several hours prior to training and so if you don't eat anything now you'll be going quite a long time without food. Given that you're running a deficit, that's not ideal for holding onto as much muscle as possible.

So you should have a small mixed meal (protein, fats, carbs), not just protein. Count this day as a refeed day or roll these "unplanned" calories into the next day as if they were part of your breakfast (if you want to keep your calories strict and save your refeed day for later in the week).

This is all just nitpicky-ness for the fun of it, of course. If this is only a rare occurrence then it won't really make much difference in the long run whether you eat or not, and it's other factors (size and duration of deficit, training efficiency, rest, refeeds, etc.) that will determine how you look at the end of your cut.

[TimHall2]

I agree, I'd say go for it. A protein shake will do more good then harm I wouldn't worry. If you want to be extra cautious mix it with water instead of milk...

[Mrpb]

So I already hit my protein/calories goal for the day. I’m on a cut. I worked out later in the day, several hours after consuming everything. Should I still have a protein shake, or just drink water and go to bed? I heard that you should always have some protein after you work out. But I already consumed more protein than I need today, several hours prior to working out, while remaining in my calorie range. If I do take more protein, I will definitely go over my calories.

Have a protein shake. No need for a mixed meal.

[skades]

Go with the shake w/ water and be done with it, doesn't sound like it's a regular scenario you find yourself in.