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When Should You Drink a Protein Powder?

Protein powder is a popular dietary supplement. Although often used by bodybuilders, and other people trying to build lean muscle mass, it is also popular as a nutritional supplement with people who are on low fat or low carbohydrate diets.

  1. Before a Workout

    • Your body needs fuel during an intensive workout. The main fuel your body needs is made up of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates will provide the energy for physical activity. People who are trying to create lean muscle mass also need the dietary building blocks to achieve the desired results---and protein is one of the main building blocks of lean muscle mass. By eating before a workout, and getting an adequate amount of both carbohydrates and protein, your body will work more efficiently and have the necessary ingredients for a better workout. By eating beforehand, much of the caloric content of the food is burned during the workout, thus ensuring that little, if any, will be stored as fat. Protein powder can be an excellent source of low calorie, low fat nutrition for an intense workout. The exact amount of protein powder that should be consumed will depend on the protein levels in the powder, so refer to the container's label to establish the correct amount.

    After a Workout

    • During a workout, minute damage is done to the muscles at a cellular level. Your body will need protein to heal that damage and to help you recover from the workout. Unlike pre-workout nutrition, excessive carbohydrates after a workout can convert quickly to calories and fat deposits. Protein, however, contributes directly to the healing and recovery of muscles and to the building of lean muscle mass. Protein powder a good low fat, low carbohydrate way of giving your muscles enough nutrition for healthy workouts. Again, the exact amount of protein powder that should be consumed will depend on the protein levels in the powder. Always refer to the label on the container.

    As a Nutritional Supplement

    • People who are on a low carbohydrate or low fat diet can benefit from protein powder. Because some low carbohydrate diets require high protein levels, protein powder can be a good way of ensuring adequate nutrition without consuming more calories. Because low fat diets can sometimes restrict the consumption of proteins from meats and dairy products, protein powder is a good way of getting an adequate amount of protein. For vegans and vegetarians, whey-based protein powder is an excellent source of supplemental nutrition.

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