Protein shakes and when to drink them

[TomTucker]

sorry for my newbie-ness, but ive never been clear on how often you should drink protein shakes. i know once after you work out of course, but what about the days after that?

i read somewhere that you have a "window" after a workout where protein shakes are most effective. but what about the next day when youre sore? is it still worth drinking protein shakes then? and for how days after that? are the shakes still as effective?

 

[Fuglydude]

Real food is always preferable, but there are certain times when protein shakes are likely better. As you said the post work out period is key. Whey protein isolates are easily digested (for most of us), highly bioavailable and get into the systemic circulation relatively rapidly. This means that anytime you're in a "starvation" status, such as post WO or in the morning after you get up, would be a good time to have a shake. I try and restrict whey isolate shakes to these times as in my experience, and for my goals, real food works way better to put on the mass.

 

[EFFORT]

Its good to ask questions so no worries. Protein shakes are just a way to supplement your daily protein requirements. Your daily protein requirements will be based on your goals. Your goal should be to get the majority of protein requirements through (beef, chicken, fish, eggs) and using protein shakes to make the difference.

 

[sigma335]

Morning or in between meals, the earlier in the day the better from my experience on days off.

 

[TomTucker]

cool thanks for the info guys