When to take Whey Protein

Is there a Special Time?

When to take whey protein: When you wake up

You have just been asleep for 8 hours.....if you're lucky :).... and you need to jump start your day. During the night your body is recharging its battery and has used up all its protein.

Having a protein shake in the morning helps boost up your protein levels, and gives you energy to start your day.

You will be surprised at how much better you feel mid morning if you're having a protein shake for breakfast, versus a muffin or a bagel. It really wakes you up.

Whey protein is good in the morning because it does not spike your blood sugar. If you spike your blood sugar in the morning with a high glycemic meal, your blood levels come crashing down, and can actually drop. This causes you to be tired and hungry again.

Protein shakes help you avoid this from messing up your morning. Being lethargic at 10am can make the day feel like forever.

For more information on your blood sugar levels, click here.

When to take whey protein: Before your workout

I don't suggest you chug back a huge protein shake just before you start working out. If you have an intense workout, you'll probably just waste it :)

But working out on a empty stomach is not a good idea either. Consuming protein before you workout can really give you some extra energy.

It's usually best to have about half of what you normally take. Just enough to fuel your muscles, but not make you bloated.

I'm sure you've had those days where you just feel weak. Not having proper amounts of protein can make you feel like you've hit a plateau that never gets surpassed. Don't let this happen to you. Start taking a reasonable amount of protein before you workout.

Times when you don't need protein before your workouts would be if you're taking other supplements before you train like creatine. Also, if you've eaten a healthy meal close enough to your workout, you should be fine.

The main point is not to lift weights on a empty stomach with low protein levels. You won't have a productive session.

When to take whey protein: After your workout

If you're only going to take protein once a day, make sure it's after your workout. Set your alarm, because your post workout meal is the most important.

Trainers and bodybuilders all agree that you have a limited time of about 60 to 90 minutes after a workout where you really need to eat and refuel your body.

After a workout, you've ripped and torn your muscles. They're broken and starving for a meal. This is the best time to take whey protein.

This is when your protein levels tend to be very low. Your muscles take everything they can find to keep you energized throughout your workout. When you're finished, your protein is gone and needs to get filled up.

When to take whey protein: Before bed

If you workout early in the day, taking protein before you go to bed is a good idea.

You're body grows and repairs itself when you rest. Having enough protein in your system before hitting the sack is important.

Now, if you're working out after dinner, your post workout shake will be enough to get you through the night.

So, when to take whey protein?

The post workout shake is the most important. Depending on your other meals, if you're only taking whey protein once a day, make sure it's after your training session.