Protein supplements essential?

[BlackDogStrut]

I understand this is probably a very frequent and heated debate, but I was wondering what some of you felt about the necessity and benefit of taking additional protein supplements in the form of a shake or bar or whatever. I'm 18 and a very novice bodybuilder, I'm in pretty decent shape, and have always stayed lean and healthy as an athlete, but I've always had sort of an ectomorph bodytype and decided recently I would get some muscle mass. It's been about two weeks into my workout routine, Im eating alot and so far things seem to be going well (no real results yet but I have been gaining some weight, and my muscle do feel like theyre getting worked.) Would eating an edition protein bar, or drinking a shake expediate the process? Thank you in advanced for your thoughts and advice.

 

[LAM]

a protein shake of whey protein with water/juice should be used directly after training. you can also use whey to bring up the protein content of any meal during the day. lots of ways to utilize protein supplements

 

[Randy]

There are lots of ways to utilize protein supplements

Lam,

Don't you mean "There are lots of whey's to utilize protein supplements?"

Sorry, just bored.

 

[musclepump]

protein shakes are always beneficial

 

[Purdue Power]

I would feel like I was completely wasting my time lifting if I didn't have my shake before I lift and one right after. As far as protein bars go, they are best just for when you don't have time for a scheduled full meal. It is best to get your protein and other nutrients from whole foods.

 

[Randy]

I would feel like I was completely wasting my time lifting if I didn't have my shake before I lift and one right after. As far as protein bars go, they are best just for when you don't have time for a scheduled full meal. It is best to get your protein and other nutrients from whole foods.

Yeah one thing I can say is that drinking a shake especially with milk makes you full and is like having a meal in itself.

 

[canuck muscle]

The best time is definitely pwo for a shake. I have one with my breakfast as well. Try to eat lots of natural protein. Dont rely on shakes and bars for all your protein.

 

[musclepump]

Shakes are much better than bars if you can't have a meal. That's an important thing to remember. You may not have time for a meal, but you may have time for a shake, and it's time well spent over just about every bar on the market.

 

[chris2489]

Shakes are great because they are an easy way to help you reach your protein needs.

 

[Randy]

I would rather eat a breast Or even a pair of them

 

[fireball]

how long before workout do you take a shake? if i have one too close then my stomach gets a bit upset.

 

[Randy]

how long before workout do you take a shake? if i have one too close then my stomach gets a bit upset.

I believe they recommend optimally 30 minutes prior. But I guess that depends on what type of shake. If you're mixing with milk that makes it a bit heavier and would bog you down for the workout. In those cases probably you would drink it a bit sooner like 1 hr. before. I never time it to the tee, and for that matter don't drink a protein shake before my workout. I will get it from food usually or milk. Now the post workout is in my opinion the best time to drink your shake. Anytime within the 1st hour of your workout. This way you get maximum absorbtion from your body.

 

[BlackDogStrut]

so when should I be drinking the shake? prior to or after working out?

 

[KentDog]

I would drink your whey protein shake right after working out (with water, oats, and maybe strawberries). Personally, I'd rather have real food in my stomach before working out. For my preworkout meal, I usually have a chicken breast and some brown rice. Or if I'm running short on time, I will sometimes make a shake consisting of cottage cheese, oats, strawberries, and milk.

 

[Randy]

so when should I be drinking the shake? prior to or after working out?

Both, you can drink a protein shake for both pre and post workout.

Before the workout = Drink at least 30 minutes prior to workout
Post workout = Within the first 60 minutes of working out