Is my whey protein consumption healthy and productive?

by Ali
(Montreal)

After about a year of working out 3 days a week for about 2 hours each session I have switched into consuming whey protein for losing some body fat and building some muscles.

My program of consuming whey is as follows. In the days that I don't workout I consume one shake of a 20 gram scoop in the morning right after waking up. In the days that I do workout I consume one scoop in the morning one before the workout and one after I finish. My workout session I divide into two parts, the first part I do one hour of intense cardio and following that I do one hour weightlifting.

My body shows no reactionary response towards the consumption and I have no history of any allergies. And since starting consuming whey I have practically reduced my fat intake and cut the level of junk food significantly.

Now the question is am I doing it right, and is it possible that in long term my body suffers from this protein intake?


Answer:

Your protein intake looks fine.

A protein shake in the morning is a good way to kick start your metabolism.

A scoop before training is also a good time to help provide energy and protein to your muscles before they get exhausted. Just avoid getting bloated and eating too much.

And of course a post protein shake is always recommended to help you recover from your workout.

So your protein intake looks good. If you're only taking 1 scoop, 3 times per day, that's probably about 72 grams of whey protein (3 x 24). That along with your natural diet might put you around 100 grams per day, depending on what else you eat.

Some athletes and bodybuilders consume 1, or even over 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. So your intake is considered safe.

This protein intake, along with a clean diet and all that cardio you're doing should help you burn fat and get lean.

If you find yourself in the gym for too long, you may also want to consider separating your cardio and weight sessions. Perhaps try cardio first thing in the morning and weights later on.

Or try weights before your cardio sessions. Every few months change your exercise routine around.

Should I take a break from drinking whey

I know some supplements say you need to take a break after a certain point do you need to with whey? Like stop taking this supplement for three weeks until you start back up after taking it for 6 weeks is this needed with whey?


Answer:

You don't need to take a break from using whey protein.

Whey protein is just another source of protein. It's a food, not a stimulant.

Just like you wouldn't stop eating eggs or meat, you don't need to stop consuming whey protein.

Supplements you will want to cycle are ones with stimulants like fat burners or some pre workout supplements. These supplements may contain sugar, caffeine and other stimulants that you may build up a tolerance to, or which are unhealthy in large amounts.

Whey protein is a natural source of protein which you can take daily and you don't need to cycle off it.

For what duration can I take whey protein?

Hi there... really nice information... for how long duration can i take whey protein? do u need to give it a break?? i consume 2 scoops of whey everyday... i work out everyday in the gym... i have been using whey for about six months... should i stop it for some time... i am a vegetarian...


Answer:

You can continue to use whey protein, you do not need to stop.

Taking 2 scoops per day is fine, and there's no need to take a break.

Whey protein is just a very pure source of protein. It is great for people who train because it is absorbed very quickly into your body.

Just like you wouldn't stop eating chicken, fish or eggs, you shouldn't stop taking whey protein.

Should I use Casein Protein before bed?

by Trevor
(Louisiana)

I'm a 17 year old senior that just got done with football. Should i start taking casein before bed to maximize muscle gains? Oh and don't worry I'm still working out during the week.


Answer:

There's no right answer to this.

Sure you can start using casein protein before bed, but it's not necessary.

Many people succeed in their given sports without using this protein. I would recommend it if you're really training hard and want to take your nutrition very seriously.

So if you plan on training hard for the next session then casein is a good choice, however it's not recommended over whey protein.

Read the casein protein article to get more information on this type of protein.

If you do decide to use casein protein, then before bed is the best time to take it.