![Man drinking his protein shake at the gym in between sets](http://supplementsource.ca/cdn/shop/articles/protein-shakes-729127_750x500_crop_center.jpg?v=1663369919)
When Should You Drink Protein Shakes?
Protein shakes serve up a hefty dose of much-needed protein in the form of a flavourful shake you can grab on the go. The benefits of protein shakes vary depending on the individual but are noteworthy no matter the person. A good protein supplement can be important for everything from keeping your appetite in check to supporting muscle growth and weight loss goals.
The big question is when should you drink protein shakes? Is there a difference between morning and night protein shake intake? The true answer actually depends on your personal end goals or why you are opting for protein shakes to start with. Below is a closer look at how to determine when is the best time to take protein for your personal circumstances.
Should you drink protein shakes in the morning or in the evening?
It depends. For individuals who are drinking protein shakes to support their weight loss efforts, drinking the shake in the morning can be a good idea. Protein helps to boost your metabolism for the day and keep your hunger hormones regulated, so your appetite is sustained for several hours. A lot of people find drinking a protein shake in the morning helps keep them from reaching for added calories throughout the day.
On the other hand, if you're using protein shakes to support muscle-building efforts, you may not need to drink a protein shake first thing in the morning. The more critical factor to help you determine when to drink your protein is when you workout. The general recommendation is to get in a good dose of protein to make up for what the muscles use up during a workout within about two hours. With that being said, drinking your shake in the morning if that tends to be the time of day you exercise, but the evening would be best if you're a late-night gym-goer.
Pre-workout or Post-workout: When is the best time to drink your protein shake?
Is it better to drink a protein shake before or after a workout? It really does not matter if you prefer to drink your protein shake once your workout is done or if you'd rather drink it before. Simply make sure to consume the shake near your workout time. In one study, researchers found no major difference in things like strength, endurance, or muscle growth among those who drank their protein shakes before and after their workouts over the course of 10 weeks.
The overall goal is to give your body the protein it needs to support your muscles during exercise and recovery. Proteins are burned up during a workout, so replacing those proteins after the fact is logical, but pre-workout consumption gives the body an abundance of protein to start with. Therefore, protein levels should remain stable as well.
Explore Protein Shakes from SupplementSource.ca
Protein shakes can make an excellent addition to your everyday plans, whether you're trying to lose weight, get fit, or see big muscle gains. Looking for the best protein shakes to add to your fitness regimen? Be sure to check out the extensive collection of protein supplements available at SupplementSource.ca.