Food or Protein Shake after workout???

[passionforabs]

I was wondering if it's better to eat food (for example a chicken or tuna salad) after working out or drinking a protein shake. Which one is best for the body if somebody is trying to lose fat and why?

I sometimes eat after my training and sometimes just drink a shake if I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

[shotgunshorty28]

I was wondering if it's better to eat food (for example a chicken or tuna salad) after working out or drinking a protein shake. Which one is best for the body if somebody is trying to lose fat and why?

I sometimes eat after my training and sometimes just drink a shake if I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

the purpose of the protein intake post workout is to rebuild the damaged muscle fibers after a vigorous workout. chicken or tuna salad from your example, are sources of protein and omega-3's. also, you would want to include a form of complex carbs post workout.

[Twin]

protein shake immediately post, meal soon after

[LiamGTR91]

Both Mmmm

[MrKleen73]

I was wondering if it's better to eat food (for example a chicken or tuna salad) after working out or drinking a protein shake. Which one is best for the body if somebody is trying to lose fat and why?

I sometimes eat after my training and sometimes just drink a shake if I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

Depends on the goals. If trying to build or maintain muscle then a shake may be best to get the nutrients into the muscle faster. If cardio I would go with whole foods. No big hurry to get stuff to the muscle then, I actually like to wait a good 30 minutes after cardio before i have anything. The other is about money and comfort. It is way cheaper to get your protein from a shake than it is to get it in whole foods. So if money is a concern then go with protein shakes. Otherwise just go with what is convenient. You will find people who swear by whole food only and others who swear by eating one real meal a day and all shakes. I tend to get some real food in with every meal, but 3 out of the 6 meals I get my protein from a powder. There is no magic answer, only people who feel their way is the magic answer if that makes any sense.

I bloat from lots of whole food but don't from shakes as much. Rather than have a distended gut even when lean I opt for more shakes and easier digestion.

[Murderfox]

Will make no difference, either one is fine.

[Stephan514]

There is no magic answer, only people who feel their way is the magic answer if that makes any sense.

Broscience

[Anthony21]

If your preworkout meal is good in regards to containing protein+carbs+fats you can skip the post workout shake and just go home and eat a whole food meal.

If you want just have a protein shake post workout, take a shower then eat your next meal. Nothing to complicated.

[js4fuller]

how about chicken and protein powder. would that be wrong after workout?

[hangookfit]

I sometimes eat after my training and sometimes just drink a shake if I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

This. You answered your own question. It doesnt matter

[Big_Spaz]

Banana + One Scoop Whey immediately post workout.

Then I eat a whole meal about an hour to an hour and a half later.





-Spaz

[BojackuUSMC]

Protein shake with greek yogurt for me because I have hard time eating food after workout. I tend to eat 45 mins later after my protein shake.

[miamibodybuilder]

immediately after a workout i like to have a shake consisting of whey and either karbolyn from AAEFX or something high in sugars like a pop tart. i've been doing that for a few months now and an hour and half later i have a whole food meal. but i'd recommend a shake immediately after.

[xxsupergman25xx]

I used to be only protein shake after..it was easier and much more convenient. I have gone to a meal on some days because i come straight home. i have noticed 0 difference.

[wahidelchaar]

I usually drink a whey/casein protein shake with creatine and extra amino acids within 30 minutes of my last set, I also enjoy two bananas with that to replenish some of the glycogen stores. After that I take a shower, go home, and have myself a nice big meal with around 60 g of simple and complex carbs, 40 g of lean protein, and I try to MINIMIZE fats because they slow digestion (not a good thing when you're trying to get all your nutrients in within a couple hours of your workout). Shoot for 500-650 kcals for the whole meal.

I think it's a good idea to stay away from processed carbs, even with the PWO shake. Even a small serving of fruit, along with some fast acting protein, should hold off muscle breakdown until you get back home and enjoy a complete PWO meal. Clean food sources are key in optimizing your body composition (i.e. muscle-gain-to-fat-gain ratio).

[ChesterGillette]

If you're bulking and have cals to spare i think the shake right after and then a meal an hour or two later would work best.
If you're cutting, a well balanced meal will suffice and you don't need the extra cals you would get from the shake.

[OregonBBinc]

in 4 more carb suggestions, still waiting on anyone to enlighten the board on why carbs supplements are always being recommended in this manner.

[AngeloRobb]

I usually do a quick shake in water with protein and a fast digesting carb powder right after, and then eat a big meal an hour or two later. But if you have the option of eating whole foods immediately following your workout I would go with that over a shake.

[Tropez]

I was wondering if it's better to eat food (for example a chicken or tuna salad) after working out or drinking a protein shake. Which one is best for the body if somebody is trying to lose fat and why?

I sometimes eat after my training and sometimes just drink a shake if I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

Jim Stoppani seems to champion for a protein shake after workout (as well as dextrose to replenish glycogen stores) due to the fact that the liquid food gets processed and into your system faster than eating solid foods.

[OregonBBinc]

I usually do a quick shake in water with protein and a fast digesting carb powder right after, and then eat a big meal an hour or two later. But if you have the option of eating whole foods immediately following your workout I would go with that over a shake.

and whats that fast digesting carb going to do exactly?

[djwolford]

I find the shake to be a bit more convenient, personally. But then I also eat real food soon after. Matter of preference really, but real food is better imo.

[dknatural74]

Both!!! Most will say it doesn't matter, but I do what works for me......Protein shake immediately after, and a high protein/moderate carb meal about 45 min later!!!

[llahhsoj]

I would always opt for whole foods over a shake if possible. Shakes are good for convenience though.

[Lionology]

I like both, but tend to go with shakes more often then not. It's faster and easier for me.

[Fishman15]

Jim Stoppani seems to champion for a protein shake after workout (as well as dextrose to replenish glycogen stores) due to the fact that the liquid food gets processed and into your system faster than eating solid foods.

Plus he sells protein powder so there's that...

[qstick99]

When possible I like to get whole foods pre and post workout. The shake is a lot easier, specially if going straight to work or somewhere else after the gym. Then I like to get some carbs and protein in supplement form, Isobolic/Waxybolic etc.

[lucia316]

5 years later, I'm sure op is still monitoring thread for suggestions on how to maximize magic 30 minute windows. smh

[gbnpc]

I was wondering if it's better to eat food (for example a chicken or tuna salad) after working out or drinking a protein shake. Which one is best for the body if somebody is trying to lose fat and why?

I sometimes eat after my training and sometimes just drink a shake if I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

Either one is fine, but obviously whole food protein sources are better for your body. However, for convenience sake or if you are unable to reach your macros/can't get to a whole food meal at the time you are needing to eat, then a shake is perfectly fine as its just powdered protein. As far as losing fat, a shake won't make you fat, nor help you lose weight. A claorie deficit will help you lose weight, whereas a calorie surplus will help you gain.

[hossjob]

I was wondering if it's better to eat food (for example a chicken or tuna salad) after working out or drinking a protein shake. Which one is best for the body if somebody is trying to lose fat and why?

I sometimes eat after my training and sometimes just drink a shake if I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

Either are good choices. Protein shakes are overrated. If you enjoy or are in a hurry, they are great. If not, eat whole food. Personally, if I'm trying to lose weight, my calories and volume of food are lower than normal so I'd much rather eat something that is going to stick with me longer to help make me feel satiated and satisfied longer, but it's up to you!

[Tropez]

and whats that fast digesting carb going to do exactly?

When you lift, your glycogen stores get depleted. If you consume a fast digesting carb (dextrose seems best, gummi bears, pixi stix, smarties) they hit your bloodstream faster and help replenish these stores.

Read more here: http://www.philly.com/philly/health/...mmy_bears.html