Now that I’m working out regularly I thought it couldn’t hurt (no doubt someone will tell me it does…) to take a protein supplement to help me develop my muscles. I’ve got MET-RX protein plus which is 76.7g per hundred grams protein shake. The directions say to have one drink (three scoops plus skimmed milk) a day but it doesn’t indicate whether there is a good time to have it (i.e. at anytime or directly before/after working out), or if it should be taken every day or just on workout days etc.
Any advice people have on this based on either experience or some kind of verified knowledge would be most welcome.
I would recommend having the shake only after your workouts, preferably with a carbohydrate source as well. The advice on the package should be taken with a grain (or two, or three) because it’s in the company’s best interest to advise their consumers to take their product as often as possible.
Whey protein shakes digest far too rapidly to be of any use any other time of the day than post-workout. As a consequence of this rapid digestion, whey protein shakes are also very insulinogenic, which is ill-advised at most times other than post-workout.
IANAD but having spent many years weight-lifting, both for fun and occasionally competitively I can tell you protein powder should be used with a trainer, and / or the benefit of a dietician. The reasons why - from what I understand - are because massive amounts of protein taken over a short time builds muscle quickly, and unless you sustain the load on the muscle [continue working out as often] your chances of packin on weight after your regime of the protein powder is up, is very high. I was worked with a nutritionist when I was lifting for bulk, she got me to build muscle methodically by working with my caloric intake, and protein intake. Basically, I was eating large amounts of healthy foods…that way when I decreased my food intake I wouldn’t be shocking the system as hard as when you stop the powder.
This is purely anecdotal, but I’m sure my trainer years ago wouldn’t have led me astray.
Plosphr - interesting. This doesn’t sound completely off base, although I’m curious if this was such a big issue why my own trainer didn’t mention this. I may actually do a copy of my post to him just to check.
Thanks for the advice so far, keep it coming please.
I lifted competitively between the ages of 19 and 23, that is when I got the biggest, mass wise, I ate very healthy, lots of legumes and pastas, potatoes etc…etc…and I was very active. As the activity slowed down with a gradual progression with career and family, I don’t go to the gym anymore, I have a home gym that I [cough]RARELY[/cough] use. That’s about it.
