If you are trying to increase your muscle mass, then you must make sure that your body is getting adequate quantities of protein. This can be considered as a very important nutrient when it comes to muscle growth, repair, as well as maintenance.
Hence, protein shakes are considered as quite popular among the people who workout regularly. Sometimes, they might wonder should you drink protein shake before or after workout routine.
Drinking protein shakes can undoubtedly be regarded as the best method by which you will be able to meet the daily recommended protein intake without consuming excess calories. However, when it comes to the time of consumption of protein shake, there exists a lot of debates.
Should you drink protein shake before or after workout?
- There is no particular answer to this question, and it depends entirely on the workout goals of an individual. As we have already mentioned, the protein shakes can be considered as a great way to enhance your daily protein intake. But, the time of consumption is not that important.
- According to several experts, you must make sure that you are getting enough protein throughout the day in order to enhance muscle growth. In addition to that, you should make sure that the pre- and post-workout meals are no more than 4 to 6 hours apart. This will help in maximizing muscle development.
- If you consume a protein shake before the workout session, then you will be able to activate your muscles, as well as adapt to the training. This will also minimize the chances of mid-workout tummy rumbles. You will also be able to reduce muscle soreness and muscle breakdown.
- On the other hand, if you consume protein shake after a workout session, then you will be able to encourage muscle growth, reduce inflammation, as well as repair any breakdown that might have occurred. It will also assist in enhancing your energy if you are tired.
- Thus, it is appropriate to say that, there is no particular answer to this question, and you can drink the protein shake any time as per your individual preference. In other words, the time of consumption of the protein shake is totally a personal decision.
Consuming protein shake before workout
If you are curious to find out should you drink protein shake before or after workout routine, then let’s see how you can benefit by consuming a protein shake before a workout session.
- Feel satiated
You will not be able to workout on an empty stomach. Sometimes, we might not have the time to take a full meal prior to our workout session. During such instances, you will be able to curb your hunger with the help of a protein shake.
- Fuel the workout
As we all know, our body needs adequate amounts of protein to function properly. If you don’t have sufficient protein and carbohydrates in your body, then you will not get the energy to workout properly.
- Enhance muscle adaptation
If you take a protein shake before your workout session, then you will be able to help your muscles adapt to the training efforts. In other words, the protein that you take will prime the muscles to put in the extra effort.
- Reduce muscle breakdown
It should be noted that when you are working out, you are actually breaking down the muscle fibers because of which you experience muscle soreness the next day. So, if you consume a protein-packed snack before working out, then you will be able to reduce the breakdown of muscle cells to a great extent.
Consuming protein shake after workout
In case you are wondering should you drink protein shake before or after workout routine, then let’s see what happens when you consume protein shake after a workout session.
- Formation of lean muscles
The essential amino acids that are present in the protein shakes will act as the major building blocks to maximize the growth of the lean muscles. Some experts suggest that you should consume protein shake within 30 minutes to an hour of completing your workout routine. This will help you to obtain maximum benefits from the workout session.
- Repair muscle breakdown
As we have already stated, workout sessions can lead to muscle breakdown, and by consuming protein shake after your workout session you will be able to speed up the recovery process to a great extent. The proteins present in the shake will assist in the repair and management of the worn out muscles.
- Reduce Inflammation
If your workout sessions are very intense, then it might lead to tiny, microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. These tears can lead to inflammation which is known as delayed-onset muscle soreness. But, if you take protein shake after working out, then you will be able to alleviate the inflammatory response to a great extent.
- Increased energy levels
The people who workout intensely might not feel the urge to take a full meal after the completion of the workout routine. But, working out will definitely lower your energy levels, and you must compensate for this loss. During such circumstances, you can consider drinking a protein shake instead of having a full meal. This will help in boosting the energy levels to a great extent. In addition to that, protein shakes will also help in replenishing the lost fluid that is sweat out.
We have seen should you drink protein shake before or after workout routine. As we can see, consuming protein shake before working out provides a number of amazing benefits. Likewise, taking protein shakes after a workout session is also very beneficial. Hence, it is appropriate to say that you can consume the protein shake anytime as per your individual choice. Some people feel that taking protein shakes before working out enhances their energy levels to a great extent which can result in a successful workout session. On the other hand, others might feel that taking protein shakes before working out might make them too full, and they will not be able to give their maximum effort while working out. So, you should see what works for you, and then take the protein shake accordingly.
