Since Becky and I released our course on how to lose weight and have more energy, I get this question a lot: When should I have a protein drink?
First & foremost, remember that protein shakes are to supplement whole foods. Whenever possible, have whole foods instead. You need to maintain a healthy diet, and protein shakes can certainly be a part of that diet. Personally, I try not to drink more than two per day (on workout days).
Your body needs protein in order to have energy.
I often have a shake for breakfast, when I’m heading out for the day. They have enough protein to keep me full for a while. Premier Protein shakes, for example, have 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and only 1 gram of sugar, so they are perfect for breakfast on the go.
When I’m home, I’ll have eggs or a smoothie. (On the weekends, we’ll make crazy muffins or crazy pancakes)
A protein shake for breakfast can build muscle, while also creating energy. This is the best time of day to have your shake: first thing in the morning. This is great because your body has just had around 8 hours without being active or eating. Your body will begin to use your muscles for energy if it does not have protein, so having a Protein shake for breakfast combats that. It allows the body to build muscle, to prevent the breakdown of muscles.
I also like to have one right after a workout (within 30 minutes of the workout ending).
I like to drink Protein shakes for nutrition, but also just because it tastes good. It makes it easy to get the protein you need and stay on track with your health goals.
We keep Premier Protein shakes in the refrigerator, so they are there when I need one (having things like this ready to go will help to eliminate that “grab whatever” moment that happens when we are hungry or craving protein. They are available for purchase in 4-count, 12-count, and 18-count 11-oz packs at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco.
The reason that I have one soon after working out is that our muscles are more likely to absorb the protein after a workout. The same goes for vitamins and minerals. Drinking a Protein shake after a workout helps to repair muscles, but I also like to have an after-workout snack of an apple with a scoop of almond butter.
Whatever you decide, be sure that you are getting enough protein in your diet. You’ll feel better and have more “Energy for Every Day.”
I have been struggling to adjust the protein in my diet due to the lockdown. This article helps me so much to understand when and how to take my protein shake, so as to plan my other meals. Thank you for sharing these tips.
I totally agree:) We have made so many adjustments in 2020.
Thank you for sharing, this is a great article! It’s so hard to find the right protein shake for our bodies as well as finding one that we like the taste of! Some are so processed now as well! Thank you for your suggestions!