When Is The Best Time to Drink a Protein Shake?

• Is it really important to know when to drink protein shakes?
• Can’t we just pick up a protein shake bottle and consume it when the need is felt?

Research suggests otherwise.

Studies have shown that consuming protein at certain times works better than others.   

In the following sections, we will try and find out which times are best to drink protein shakes.

Let us get to know our protein shakes and protein powders very closely.

Why Are Proteins so Important for the Human Body?

Proteins are present in every cell in our body.

They are made of a chain of amino acids. Amino acids are called the essential building blocks for proteins.

1) Cell Repair

The most important job of proteins is cell repair at the basic level.

Human cells have definite life spans and keep getting renewed and replaced by new ones. Any damage to cells also needs constant repair.

All of this is aided by protein in the body. Drinking protein shakes can help keep protein balance in the body.

2) Muscle Protein Synthesis

Known commonly as MPS, this is a vital protein function in our body.

MPS is a metabolic process that helps incorporate amino acids into bound skeletal muscle proteins.

This is important for the smooth functioning of the musculoskeletal system. Protein consumption before and after exercise helps in this process.

3) Muscle Growth

Protein is needed for muscle growth and maintenance.

Whether an athlete or a normal person, healthy muscles are necessary for proper body function.

Maintaining muscle mass as well as better protein synthesis will need the consumption of stipulated grams of protein.

4) Essential Amino Acids

These play an important role in many bodily functions.

They help in maintaining hormone balance and are good neurotransmitters.

Proteins are made of amino acids as mentioned earlier. Eating protein-rich food will help supply essential amino acids to the body.

5) Better Metabolism and Fat Burning

Proteins are essential for good metabolism.

Your protein intake will impact how efficiently your body can break down food.

Protein also helps in fat burning and provides more energy to power workouts.

6) Prevent Anemia

Protein helps boost metabolism as mentioned above.

This means more oxygenated cells circulating in the body. This indicates a good flow of blood in the body in optimum amounts.

Depletion of protein levels in the body can cause anemia, making one feel tired.

Why Are Protein Shakes Needed?

So, can we not get enough protein from our diet?

A normal person does consume protein in some form or other throughout the day. How does one know how much protein would be needed for them?

Every person will have different protein requirements.

Those who are very active and go for regular workouts will have a higher need for protein. A post-workout protein shake will work best for them.

Someone with a more sedentary lifestyle will have a lesser protein requirement. Whatever it is, protein is a necessary element for a healthy life.

Different protein sources in our daily diet can fulfill protein requirements. These are usually in the form of:

• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Poultry like chicken, duck, and turkey.
• Eggs.
• Fish and seafood like prawns, crabs, and mussels.
• Lean meats like lamb, beef, and pork.

Balanced consumption of protein does not always happen with a regular diet. This is because one cannot adhere to this level of accuracy.

We tend to slip up on following a diet.

Sometimes, there might be enough protein intake, but there might not be good assimilation.

Most importantly, essential amino acids, which are building blocks for proteins, are not made in the human body and must be provided externally for muscle mass.

Lack of adequate protein in the diet is reflected in muscle protein synthesis resulting in loss of muscle tissue.

This is detrimental to health and can have far-reaching consequences.

This is where protein shakes, and protein powders come into the picture.

These are formulated to deliver a certain amount of protein to the user for a certain amount of consumption.

Once you know how much protein you need in consultation with your dietician, trainer, or guide, everything becomes more accessible.

While it is essential to continue a high protein diet, protein supplements are a sure way to maintain your protein intake.

Formulated shakes and powders deliver the requisite amount in an easy-to-use and consistent form.

Different Types of Protein Shakes

There are three different types of protein shakes that one may choose from:

1) Whey protein shake

Whey is the liquid left behind after curdling and straining milk. It is light but full of protein.

It is an essential ingredient in many protein powders and shakes. It is beneficial to increase muscular strength and lean muscle mass.

It is very popular among athletes, models, and bodybuilders. It is a dairy-based protein.

This immediately excludes those who have lactose intolerance from using whey-based protein shakes.

2) Casein protein shake

This protein is found in milk and is responsible for the white color of milk. It provides the body with essential amino acids needed to build muscles.

Casein takes time to assimilate and get digested.

Taking this protein induces a feeling of fullness, thus reducing appetite and lesser calorie intake.

This is also a dairy-based protein extracted from milk and is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

3) Soy protein shake

Soybean is very high in protein, and soy protein is extracted from there.

This is a very high-quality protein and is helpful for vegetarians who are aspiring to build a robust body.

It is available in the form of soy flour, concentrates, and isolates.

Your choice will depend upon your personal goals and what time of the day you wish to consume these.

What Ingredients go Into a Protein Shake?

Protein shakes and powders contain proteins in easily digestible form.

They include branched-chain amino acids that are the building blocks for proteins but are not made in the human body.

When you buy protein shakes like whey protein concentrate in pre-packaged form, there is a particular formula for each brand.

These are proprietary formulas, with each company vying with the next to give the user the best value for money.

These are generally formulated to provide maximum protein to users, usually athletes and sportspeople, who need specific sports nutrition.

However, it is possible to create your protein shake at home if you are okay with procuring all ingredients and making the same.

Remember that each of the ingredients chosen will depend upon what goal you wish to achieve, your inclinations, and compliance with any dietary restrictions, you might have.

1) Liquid Base

Get a liquid base for your protein shake.

You can drink it as part of your post-workout routine.

You may choose from water, soy milk, dairy milk, coconut water, coconut milk, cashew nut milk, or fruit juice.

2) Nutritional supplements

The more nutritional additives you put into your protein shake, the more advantages.

Depending on your nutritional supplements, you may hope for better muscle repair, added antioxidants, and digestion-friendly shakes.

Your choices may be flaxseed oil, ground flaxseed, fish oil, chia seeds, creatine, and green powders like green tea, kale, or spirulina.

3) Texture

Texture adds another dimension to your protein shake.

Protein powders, when mixed with water, usually give a thin texture.

If you wish your protein shake has some more texture, consider adding crushed ice, mashed banana, mashed avocado, ice cream, Greek yogurt, oats, or nut butter.

4) Flavor

It cannot be only food value that will add appeal to you if your protein shakes lack flavor.

Store-bought protein powders come in various flavors that make them more palatable to the user.

For your protein shake, you can add flavor using coffee, flavored yogurt, cinnamon, honey, agave, cocoa powder, and different flavor extracts like vanilla or peppermint.

5) Blender bottle

Once you have procured all ingredients to give you that incredible protein boost, all it needs to bring everything together.

A good blender bottle will do the trick for you. You have various choices in this, from color, design, and capacity.

Make your protein shake and enjoy the taste and benefits.

How Much Protein Does a Person Need?

We all know that proteins are essential nutrients for muscle growth and lean muscle development.

What is important to understand is how much protein is needed. Requirements vary from person to person.

One cannot just pick up a protein shake and begin consuming it indiscriminately.

Remember that calibrated and recommended amounts can do a world of good for muscle strength and performance.

However, consuming more protein than needed can negatively impact the body.

Your goals also dictate protein requirements.

• Do you wish to lose weight or you are looking at weight gain?
• Are you focused on better workout results and more endurance?

 

Please note that these protein recommendations are approximate and vary from individual to individual.

It is advisable to decide on the amount of protein supplement dependent upon your body weight and consult a dietician.

Calculation of Protein Requirement for Individuals

There are guidelines set down by the National Academy of Medicine that help to decide how much protein a person needs for a healthy lifestyle.

According to this, adults must have 0.8 grams of proteins for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. This is the baseline amount for sedentary individuals.

This requirement will vary depending upon the activity and needs of every individual.

An athlete will need way more protein, a pregnant woman will have different needs, those wishing to gain or lose weight, or those recovering from illness, each category will require different amounts. 

Protein requirement by body weight.

This method determines daily protein requirement by dividing body weight by 20 and multiplying by 7.

Alternatively, one may multiply body weight by 0.36 to arrive at an approximate protein requirement.

Protein requirement by Calories

This method calculates protein requirements by the number of calories one uses daily. To give an idea, 1 gram of protein gives 4 kcal.

This means if a person’s intake is 2000 calories daily, they can consume 50-125 g of protein daily.

One may use an online tool also to determine their daily protein requirement.

When Should One Drink Protein Shakes?

So, when do you drink a vegan weight loss shake for the best effect?

Studies have shed light on when best to consume protein.

It is even more important to know the best times for ingesting protein for those aiming for lean body mass.

Previously there was a notion that one must take a protein shake at a particular time only.

However, recent studies show that a protein shake before bed or post-workout protein intake is beneficial as long as backed up by a balanced diet and proper workout.

The point is to take enough protein to fulfill your bodily requirements.

It is also pertinent to note that not every rule applies to everyone.

What you wish to achieve will determine how much protein you need.

It will also decide the most suitable timing for you.

Discussed below are some expected times for drinking a protein shake:

1) Morning Protein Intake

There is not much evidence to suggest that a morning intake of protein powder or shakes does anything for you.

Unless of course, you are working out early morning, which in any case comes under a pre-workout consumption.

This time is ideal for those looking for weight loss.

It helps control cravings and gives a feeling of satiety, thus restricting consumption to fewer calories.

This should be followed up by balanced meals and workout routines to reach your weight loss goals.

2) Pre-workout protein intake

Are you drinking protein shakes before a workout?

Yes, it has its pluses too.

Studies have established that the consumption of carbohydrates with proteins helps power workouts for athletes.

There is better endurance and reduced muscle wear and tear for them.

It is also seen that muscle protein synthesis is improved with pre-workout consumption of protein bars and shakes.

It also helps to lose weight more effectively. An informed choice of protein shakes with carbs will make it more easily digestible.

3) Protein During the Workout

Sipping on a protein shake during a workout?

It is not a bad idea at all.

It might not sound convenient but works well for athletes doing endurance training.

Sipping on a shake every 10-15 minutes helps maintain energy and reduce muscle damage. It also helps to control blood sugar levels.

This routine is good for those on resistance training to maintain a positive protein balance.

It has been seen to improve performance in athletes. 

4) Post-workout Protein Intake

The most popular time for drinking a protein shake is after a workout. Its benefits have been established by studies and felt on the ground too.

It has been seen that athletes need 10 grams of essential amino acids within two hours of working out.

These are the building blocks for proteins, but the human body does not make them.

They have to be supplemented from the outside. 

Dairy products like milk are rich in the amino acid leucine and help muscle gain.

Besides this, milk has casein and whey proteins, which are suitable for the body.

Supplements with whey protein suit post-workout need since it is absorbed faster by the body.

Check your supplement for these specifications: 

• Whey protein isolate. This is 90% protein with minimal lactose and fat.
• Whey protein powder. This has 11-15% protein and is usually used in meal replacement shakes.
• Whey protein concentrate. This contains 25-89% protein with lactose and fat and tastes better.

5) Protein before bedtime

Many people drink a protein shake before bedtime.

This helps with overnight muscle protein synthesis.

It also improves skeletal muscle adaptive response. MPS and MPB (muscle protein breakdown) are constantly cyclic processes in the body.

Taking a protein shake before bedtime helps to maintain a positive protein balance in the MPB phase. 

There is also more energy that aids your endurance and resistance training the following day.

Overnight repair and rejuvenation of muscles are also aided when you take a protein shake before bedtime.

It is also believed to help in weight loss because protein boosts metabolism.

Bedtime protein shake also gives better sleep quality.

It is important to note that casein protein takes longer to digest than whey protein.

This makes it the choice of protein for bedtime shakes.

This helps maintain a higher essential amino acid level.

In Conclusion…

So, the consensus is that protein shakes are essential in building muscle and maintaining healthy muscle tissues.

They also play a big role in muscle protein breakdown.

This metabolic process helps in muscle remodeling to fit in with your workout regime. It is also essential for muscle growth.

When you take it depends upon your goals and supportive lifestyle changes.

Post-workout is the most popular time for all the benefits it offers.

Athletes should consult specialists in sports nutrition to finalize their choice.