Thread: Protein Shake Before Bed Good or Bad Idea?

don't quote me on this but i would of thought it was good as you are keeping the protein levels up while you are asleep and not getting any protein,if you are going to drink a protein shake before bed drink casein protein as it has a longer release time and will give a steady release all night as apposed to whey protein which is absorbed reallly quickly 30-60 minutes

Originally Posted by KentDog

Doing this adds an extra 190 calories, 10 fat calories, 1.5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 14g carbs, 12g sugars, and 31g protein.

my shakes would add: 1000cals, 52g protein, 235g carbs, 20g fat

is this bad before bedtime?? lol

Originally Posted by KentDog

Doing this adds an extra 190 calories, 10 fat calories, 1.5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 14g carbs, 12g sugars, and 31g protein.

Thanks!

I guess math is not a strong point for you.

(10 * 9) + (14 * 4) + (31 * 4) = 270 calories

I always had one when I was bulking. Sometimes i would just have some cottege
cheese. It helped in my case. I would say go for it. I would suggest getting some
new powder with less sugars and carbs for the bedtime shake.

Originally Posted by CaptainDeadlift

I guess math is not a strong point for you.

(10 * 9) + (14 * 4) + (31 * 4) = 270 calories

He didn't say 10 grams of fat, he said 10 fat CALORIES and 1.5 gm of fat.

If your cutting try to avoid milk .. especially when you see 12 grams of sugar
You can have the whey protein and add some EFA like flax oil, fish oil caps or peanut butter .. other option like others suggested go with the casein protein

If you're cutting skip the milk and add water and go with a casein blend it's a slow release protien.

Hey, thanks for all your responses.

I was always wondering about the sugars from skim milk because on my spread sheet (of daily food consumption), that's pretty much where most of my sugar intake comes from. However, it seems that everyone is always saying good things about milk. And when reviewing people's diets on this forum a lot of them include a morning protein shake with milk first thing in the morning. I had not realized that they could be talking about different proteins (casein and not whey). Would it be a waste to take whey before bed with water (if milk is to be avoided)? I do not have any casein protein and am not sure if I'm up for going out to buy some at the moment ($). How is this idea opposed to just eating 5 egg whites before bed? Is eating right before bed typically prohibited in general (for cutting)?

CaptainDeadLift - As for the math issue about my numbers not adding up, I had wondered where you had gotten those numbers from. I just added together the nutritional facts on the back of my protein and the back of my milk. Sorry if I was confusing (I know people don't usually post all the "other stuff" just protein/carbs/fats). Sorry about that.

Keep the opinions coming!
-Kent

No you can eat egg whites also. there really is no rule about eating before bed that's pretty much all hype. I always eat before bed or I get hungry in the middle of the night I just make sure it's protein and you can still have whey protein just casein is better at that time. As for mixing with water it's not a waste and if your're cutting you don't need sugar. I never take in dairy products during contest prep.

Hey, thanks for the speedy response kkschaef. I was worried about maybe needing to get rid of the whey protein shakes in the morning and at night before bed if they weren't helpful (as everyone seems to be suggesting casein protein for this). Whey protein shakes make up a huge portion of my daily protein intake (with 2-3 a day), so thanks a lot for your opinion on this matter. I was told whey protein mixed with water made the protein be absorbed faster (as opposed to milk), but this is okay before bed still? Thanks.

Your math is fine. It's my reading comprehension that is suspect. Sorry about that!

Mix in some psyllium with your shake and a tsp of natty PB to slow absorbtion if you don't want to buy casein.

I'm not sure what "psyllium" is, but I have recently started eating a Tbsp of natural peanut butter with my (morning and night) protein shakes. Any specific brand of Casein protein recommeneded? Best taste, easiest mixing, etc..

I eat cottage cheese before bed.

Originally Posted by KentDog

Any specific brand of Casein protein recommeneded? Best taste, easiest mixing, etc..

Cottage cheese is a great source of casein.

Thanks guys! Great idea; don't know why I haven't picked up some cottage cheese by now since I keep reading about it here. How much cottage cheese do you guys typically eat before bed, if I may ask?

I have 0.5 to 1 cup...+ tbs natty pb and voila!