Protein or Carbs after Working out?

[GymRatJim]

Some people I see at the gym take a big protein drink after they work out. I've read elsewhere that protein doesn't digest fast enough to be effective after workouts.

Which is the best thing to drink after workouts? I'm trying to build muscle but not get huge.

[fitchick1982]

I would think that the best thing to eat or drink after your workout is whatever your body craves.

After I go through tough body pump classes I really crave sugar so I get a big jamba juice with added whey or soy protein.

You are the one who put in the time working out so you should reward yourself with a healthy yet yummy post-workout treat.

[AskTheTrainer]

Originally Posted by GymRatJim

Some people I see at the gym take a big protein drink after they work out. I've read elsewhere that protein doesn't digest fast enough to be effective after workouts.

Which is the best thing to drink after workouts? I'm trying to build muscle but not get huge.

It is important to consume high calorie meal/drinks directly after your workouts.

Whether you get huge or not will depend more on your overall calorie consumption.

Whether you need protein, carbs or both after your workout depends on numerous factors primarily

1. When and what you Ate prior to your Workout

For example, If you had a 100 gram protein meal 90 minutes before your workout, there is no reason to re- ingest more protein. Your body will have free amino acids in your blood from your previous meal and your broken down muscle proteins.

Your optimal drink or meal would be almost 100% carbs which will create an blood sugar and insulin response which will shuttle the amino acids into your skeletal muscles for improved recovery.


2. How long you worked out for

This also depends on #1. If you worked out for 3 hours, you may need a balanced meal because you will be severely depleted of nutrients.

If you worked out for an hour or less, your prior meal will determine your intake.


3. When you will Eat Next

Your body will be very receptive to nutrients for the first couple hours following your exercise session. This is the time where some say you should be consuming the bulk of your calories for the day.

If you don't have time to eat until 4 hours after your workout you should consume a large number of calories consisting of protein and carbs directly after your workout.

If you are having lunch/dinner soon after your workout, your post workout consumption may be less.

It is always a good idea to try pre formulated mixes, such as After Max

[stiffarm_rb33]

Originally Posted by AskTheTrainer

It is important to consume high calorie meal/drinks directly after your workouts.

Whether you get huge or not will depend more on your overall calorie consumption.

Whether you need protein, carbs or both after your workout depends on numerous factors primarily

1. When and what you Ate prior to your Workout

For example, If you had a 100 gram protein meal 90 minutes before your workout, there is no reason to re- ingest more protein. Your body will have free amino acids in your blood from your previous meal and your broken down muscle proteins.

Your optimal drink or meal would be almost 100% carbs which will create an blood sugar and insulin response which will shuttle the amino acids into your skeletal muscles for improved recovery.


2. How long you worked out for

This also depends on #1. If you worked out for 3 hours, you may need a balanced meal because you will be severely depleted of nutrients.

If you worked out for an hour or less, your prior meal will determine your intake.


3. When you will Eat Next

Your body will be very receptive to nutrients for the first couple hours following your exercise session. This is the time where some say you should be consuming the bulk of your calories for the day.

If you don't have time to eat until 4 hours after your workout you should consume a large number of calories consisting of protein and carbs directly after your workout.

If you are having lunch/dinner soon after your workout, your post workout consumption may be less.

It is always a good idea to try pre formulated mixes, such as After Max

You think that aftermax stuff is really worth it? I've been told to just drink low-fat chocolate milk after and eat a big meal?

[GymRatJim]

Originally Posted by stiffarm_rb33

You think that aftermax stuff is really worth it? I've been told to just drink low-fat chocolate milk after and eat a big meal?

Chocolate milk I would think is no comparison to aftermax which I've been using for about a year and have had great results.

Milk is terrible for you and has no vitamins, chocolate milk has way too much carbs and not enough protein too.

Get something w/ more protein and see how that goes, probably better results.

[AskTheTrainer]

Originally Posted by GymRatJim

Chocolate milk I would think is no comparison to aftermax which I've been using for about a year and have had great results.

Milk is terrible for you and has no vitamins, chocolate milk has way too much carbs and not enough protein too.

Get something w/ more protein and see how that goes, probably better results.

I would think that being a kid in high school, 1. The cost of a supplement like aftermax may be too much and 2. Metabolism is higher which would need extra calories which chocolate milk has (low fat)

I thought high schools had supplements such as MetRX collegiate formula for post-workout by now?

[MarlaPoll]

Milk has vitamins. To claim it doesn't is ridiculous.

Chocolate Milk - Nonfat.
Protein 8.1 g
Vitamin A 490 IU
Riboflavin 0.43 mg
Niacin 0.32 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.75 mg
Folate 12.5 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.85 mcg
Vitamin C 2.25 mg
Vitamin E 0.05 mg ATE
Calcium 287.5 mg
Magnesium 32.5 mg
Phosphorus 257.5 mg
Potassium 425 mg
Sodium 152.5 mg
Zinc 1.03 mg
Copper 0.18 mg

[colllegetrainer84]

Originally Posted by MarlaPoll

Milk has vitamins. To claim it doesn't is ridiculous.

Chocolate Milk - Nonfat.
Protein 8.1 g
Vitamin A 490 IU
Riboflavin 0.43 mg
Niacin 0.32 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.75 mg
Folate 12.5 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.85 mcg
Vitamin C 2.25 mg
Vitamin E 0.05 mg ATE
Calcium 287.5 mg
Magnesium 32.5 mg
Phosphorus 257.5 mg
Potassium 425 mg
Sodium 152.5 mg
Zinc 1.03 mg
Copper 0.18 mg

That's awesome you tell him... I don't think all that stuff is on the ole FDA label though..

[AskTheTrainer]

Post Workout Supplement/meal Priorities:

1. High in Calories
2. Quickly Digesting
3. Low Fat
4. High in Carbohydrates
5. Contains Protein
6. Contains vitamins & minerals

also important, water and electrolytes...

[govenator]

Originally Posted by AskTheTrainer

Post Workout Supplement/meal Priorities:

1. High in Calories
2. Quickly Digesting
3. Low Fat
4. High in Carbohydrates
5. Contains Protein
6. Contains vitamins & minerals

also important, water and electrolytes...

Is this for gaining muscles? or loosing fat?