Question:
When is the best time for protein drinks? AM - Before Bed???

I noticed my protein drink suggest drinking it right after working out. I assume that's for building muscle. Right now I drink it 1st thing in the morning and after I work out. Is it better to drink it right before bed? It's a challenge getting it in 2 times a day and I am meeting my protein requirement. I was just wondering for best weight loss results if it helps the body to drink it right before bed. Any thoughts?    — Kimberly J. (posted on October 5, 2003)

October 5, 2003
Kim, why are u drinking protein shakes? are they recommended by your dtr or nutrionist or are you having trouble with NORMAL foods. You are about 3 mos out and should be eating enough regular foods to get in the protein by eating. I never drank shakes for the first 6 mos, now, i drink them when I plateau. I drink one when I get up at 5:30 and then another after I work out and walk to work. That works well for me. Good Luck. . Heather Open RNY 8-15-03 305/183/150
   — heathercross

October 5, 2003
I am 8 months out and have always supplemented with shakes. I drink one in the morning and often another in the afternoon. I drink mine in the morning because it has helped me break the bad habit of not eating in the morning (the signature habit of the overweight) and the second one usually comes just before or after my exercise. There is no reason to get all of your protein from "NORMAL" foods. For many of us normal food is a 1/4 pounder with cheese and that just does not work for me any more. I also have never hit a plateau and I attribute this to my high daily intake of protein and changing my views of what is normal. I have discussed this with my nutritionist at length and the bottom line is that you get it in and not how you get it in. Another great thing to note is that if you are drinking a great quality whey protein shake you will absorb all of that protein as opposed to not absorbing all of the protein in regular foods. It sounds like you are doing great and if it working for you then don't try to fix what ain't broke. good luck.
   — Carol S.

October 5, 2003
I have heard that right before bed is a good time, and right after exercising... I don't know why though, and can't tell you where I heard it... I have a hard time getting mine in too, but figure no matter when I drink it, it's ok, just so that I do....and to answer why we use them... I don't know about anyone else, but I simply can't eat enough protein from "normal" food, and my weight loss is better when I'm using shakes.
   — Kelly B.

October 5, 2003
I agree with Kelly - there is nothing wrong with drinking protein shakes. I will be six months out on the 7th, and I do at least one protein drink per day. Normally I drink one while I am getting ready for work in the morning. I'm not a big breakfast fan, so this way I know I have already gotten in 30 grams of protein first thing in the morning. If I work out really hard at the gym in the afternoon, I'll drink a 15 gram protein shake when I'm done.
   — Barbara C.

October 5, 2003
I don't know about the best time, but I'd think anytime you can get it in would be good.. that said, I think any calories put into your mouth before you lie down for 8 or so hours are not good.. so I'd try it another time.. no matter what they are.. its best not to have a bunch of calories right before bed. Sumo wrestlers nap after they eat, to ensure weight gain. You can bet when I heard that years ago, I never forgot it.. *grin* What is your protein requirement that you have to have one two times a day? I do one anywhere between 35 and 40 gms... (yes I know some people will say that you only absorb 30 gms at a time, but the truth is, no one really does know.. ) ... and the rest I get from mostly protein meals... so what is your requirement? Good luck! *grin*
   — Lisa C.

October 5, 2003
just a bit more.. I have mine first thing in the morning, because I too don't do breakfast very well.. and it means I can relax a little the rest of the day, within my own limits. In addition, there's nothing wrong with protein drinks, in fact, with the amount of protein most of us eat, its better to get some of it from leaner NON animal sources... as animal proteins can be hard on your body... ok.. I'm done.. *grin*
   — Lisa C.

October 5, 2003
Just my 2 cents! Drinking protein right after working out helps to repair muscle damage and keeps us from getting as sore as we might otherwise. Drinking it in the morning is good because it gets it out of the way! Drinking one in the late evening is good because then you won't get the urge to snack (if you even have that problem). Some say that eating (or drinking) before bed causes you to gain - I've always been told otherwise. It's not WHEN you eat but WHAT you eat. If your protein drink is low carb you should be fine - because - when we sleep we burn calories, the first to be burnt will be carbohydrate, then come the fat. I know that GNC even has a "night" protein supplement that is supposed to be a slow abosrbing kind. I haven't been tempted to try that one simply because I'm no sure how fast or slow we absorb now - or if that even matters! Good luck!
   — Pambylah