Protein is essential for your muscle’s growth and repair. But the reality is, consuming tons of protein-rich food isn’t the easiest option since you can’t just binge on steaks in between workouts, amirite?
It’s for this reason that whey protein supplements came to life. Now, you can easily get your protein before, during, and immediately after an intense workout!
But exactly how much whey is “too much”?
Is there a consumption limit to this miraculous supplement? Or can you just go all the WHEY? (pun intended)
The Best Time To Take Whey Protein
Before asking what’s the best time to take whey protein, consider these questions first: “What is my goal? Is it to build muscle or to lose weight?” You must determine your “whys” so you can strategize your timing to get your desired results.
1. Can I Take Whey Protein In The Morning?
Yes, you can take whey protein in the morning. In fact, aside from helping you lose weight, taking it early in the morning can help decrease symptoms of low blood sugar which includes hunger.
You will notice that after you take whey protein early in the morning, you will feel full and less tempted to binge on (junk) food throughout the day. You might even skip dessert!
We recommend taking an all-natural whey protein supplement to ensure that you’re only putting “the good stuff” in your body.
2. Can I Take Whey Protein Immediately After A Workout?
Yes, you can! As a matter of fact, this could be one of the most crucial times to take whey protein because it can help you build muscle and recover faster.
During an intense workout, your tissues and muscles are taking a beating, and consuming a protein supplement immediately after you exercise can give your body the “tender loving care” it needs by jumpstarting the body’s repair process.
To be more effective, consume your whey protein supplement 30 minutes after your workout. This 30-minute window is crucial because within this period, your muscles are acting like a sponge and are just waiting to soak up any protein they can get. This also helps reduce muscle soreness after a hard workout!
3. Should I Take Whey Protein On Rest Days?
The food you consume on your workout days shouldn’t really differ from what you consume during your rest days - and this includes your whey protein consumption. The reason is simple: your body needs the same amount of nutrients even on rest days to help your tissues and muscles recover properly.
Unlike other supplements that require “proper timing”, you can take whey protein any day of the week! A 2017 study emphasized the significance of whey protein on the body’s metabolism and recovery process which can happen at any time.
4. Can I Take Whey Protein On An Empty Stomach?
Absolutely! Whey protein can be considered a form of “liquid nutrition” which can easily be digested and absorbed by the body when taken before meals. A whey protein supplement can be a good source of energy before an intense workout without giving you the discomfort of a full or bloated stomach.
Some people also prefer taking whey protein on an empty stomach to reduce their hunger, thereby helping them consume less within the day.
5. So, Can I Take Whey Protein Anytime?
Yes, but as previously mentioned, it is better to lay out your goals first. There is no “exact” or “recommended time” for consuming whey protein, and whether you take it in the morning or after your workout, one thing is certain - it can contribute to an increase in your muscle size and strength.
Remember: if you are looking to lose weight and boost your metabolism, then it is best for you to take whey protein in the morning since this will help crush your cravings. If you are into muscle building and repair, then consume it after your workout.
How Much Protein Do I Need?
There’s no specific rule on how much whey protein shakes you should consume daily, and it would be much better to take into consideration how much protein you actually need for the day.
The recommended daily protein consumption for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. This means that if you weigh 57 kgs, you would need at least 45.6 grams of protein daily.
Our Truly Grass Fed whey protein supplement contains at least 24 grams of protein per serving which means that 2 protein shakes a day are sufficient to help your body in the muscle-building and recovery process.
Can I Drink 2 Protein Shakes In A Row?
Protein shakes are definitely useful if you are struggling to consume enough protein from meat, fish, and beans. But we recommend taking protein shakes only when needed. This means your protein intake throughout the day should be evenly spread out and not too close together.
So, no matter how good your protein shake tastes, you should avoid having it 2 times in a row. This is because you do not want to be overreliant on them. Just like anything else, supplements must also be consumed in moderation.
Protein All The WHEY!
Whey protein is definitely a great addition to your diet since it can help promote fat loss, curb your cravings, and help in muscle building. We recommend going for a grass-fed protein source to ensure that all the fats and carbs have been carefully filtered out, leaving you nothing but a pure supplement.
Taking quality supplements is one thing you should never skimp on. Your body deserves nothing but the best. And as always, the best WHEY to go is to go all natural!