Protein Timing: Before or After Workout? What Really Matters

 Protein is needed for repairing and building muscles. For this reason, a lot of individuals tend to take protein shakes alongside their workouts. Nevertheless, the best time to take a protein shake is a highly debatable issue. There are those who argue that one should take his/her protein shake prior to engaging in the exercise, while there are others who suggest otherwise. This article explains whether it’s best to have a protein shake before or after your workout.

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Why Protein Is Important Around Workouts


Protein provides amino acids. These are the building blocks your body needs and uses to repair and rebuild the muscle tissues. Strength training and intense workout can create microscopic damage to our muscle fibers, and protein helps to recover them and grow. Consuming enough protein consistently can help you to support muscle growth and improve workout recovery. It also reduces muscle breakdown and maintain lean muscle during fat loss.


Advantages of Protein Intake Prior to Training


The intake of protein 1-3 hours prior to training offers some benefits as well.


1. Muscle Sparing: Possession of sufficient amino acids in blood can prevent muscle tissue breakdown during your training.


2. Satiety: A protein meal before your workout can help you stay away from hunger throughout the training.


3. Benefit for Fasted State Exercisers: For people who work out at morning time and after fasting state, intake of protein before training is highly beneficial.


Advantages of Protein Post-Exercise


It’s no wonder that post-exercise protein continues to be popular.


1. Promotes Recovery: Once you have completed an intense workout session, it is time for your body to start repairing itself, and taking protein afterwards will help your body do just that.


2. Easy to Follow: Many people find it easier to have their protein drink after rather than before the workout.


3. Helps Meet Protein Requirements: One of the biggest hurdles in getting enough protein per day is the biggest problem for many people.


Which One is Better: Pre or Post?


It all depends on your schedule and dietary preferences. In case you have eaten a protein-containing food within several hours before exercising, your body will digest and absorb amino acids during and after exercising. In such a case, there is no much difference whether to take protein pre-exercise or post-exercise. But if you train hungry, it is better to give preference to protein intake after your exercise. Almost all specialists recommend eating 20-40 grams of quality protein within several hours before or after exercise.


As far as timing of protein consumption is concerned, one does not have to be fanatically obsessed about time. Pre-workout protein as well as post-workout protein may both help in building muscles and aiding muscle recovery. What matters most is that you are getting adequate protein intake through the course of the day.


If you like having a protein-based meal before your workout session, then you are good to go ahead. If you feel a shake after your workout serves better for you, then that works just as well. Ensure that you are getting your required dose of proteins in adequate quantities. For the convenience of high-protein products in an active lifestyle, head over to Nutrela Nutrition.


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