When you work out, you break down your muscle tissue. Protein repairs this tissue and makes it bigger and stronger. The repair and recovery process takes more than one day to complete, which makes a protein shake a viable option for use even on days you do not work out; however, it may not always be necessary. A quick look at potential uses for protein shakes on non-workout days will help you make a better choice in deciding whether to use the shake or not.
This is especially important during intense activities such as indoor cycling, which require stamina, muscle strength and good cardiovascular fitness. ESPN’s Training Room recommends a mix of protein and carbohydrates bef...
According to registered dietitian Nancy Clark, some people require more calories than what seems scientifically necessary to gain weight because they naturally burn more than others. High-calorie supplements can help, but there...
Protein shakes made with low-carbohydrate protein powder and water may contain as few as 100 calories while those made with full-fat milk, sugar and high-calorie protein powder may contain several hundred calories per serving. ...
However, the substances that you ingest can affect your breast milk. Protein shakes are generally safe for pregnant women, but talk to your doctor before using protein shakes while breastfeeding.
Weight loss is about calories. If you consume fewer calories than you expend every day, you will lose weight. Crash diets do not work in the long run. Judicious use of protein shakes as part of your daily nutrition will help yo...
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding how much protein you need every day and when increasing your activity level. You may think you need more, but eating too much protein can lead to health problems. If you are trying ...
They're a quick and easy way of nourishing the body, especially when a post-workout meal isn't handy. Whether or not you choose to drink a protein shake on non-workout days is really up to you. Nothing is inherently wrong with ...
A 14-year old's protein requirement will differ from that of an adult. According to the American Council on Exercise, it's important that children and teens get proper nutrition to help them grow to their full potential. If you...
Protein shakes can be used by anyone at any age as a means of protein supplement. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, protein is essential for the growth and development of toddlers, kids and adolescents. Pare...
Favored by athletes, protein shakes help build and repair muscles, but it's important to know the right time to drink one for most effective results. One of three macronutrients, protein repairs tissue, provides energy and pres...
There are many varieties of fruit shakes ranging from healthy ones with fresh fruit, yogurt and low-fat milk to ones high in fat and calories made with ice cream, whole milk and fruit syrup, canned fruit or fruit compote. If th...
Commercially manufactured protein shakes promise quick weight loss and dramatic health improvement, but not all of them can follow through on those claims. If you're looking for a shake that is really beneficial, it pays to eit...
That can be a positive or negative effect, depending on your goals. If you're unintentionally dropping pounds and want to gain them back, for example, supplementing your diet with protein shakes can help you do that. Alternatel...
If you are seeking to build lean muscle mass, you probably know the benefits of drinking a post-workout shake. Usually made with whey protein, a post-workout shake delivers easily digested amino acids to worked muscles to help ...
When trying to build muscle, it's important to eat a healthy amount of protein regularly throughout the day. However, two of the most critical times of day to consume protein are in the morning and after each of your daily work...
Fitness professionals recommend protein drinks, primarily after exercise, to replenish and repair the body after working out. But drinking a protein shake before exercise can provide needed energy, and reduce the impact exercis...
Protein shakes offer a variety of health and nutritional benefits, but you certainly don't have to drink them to reach any wellness goal, whether it's weight loss, weight gain or general health maintenance. If you are using pro...
Several exercise gurus including Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser and Tony Horton, creator of P90X, have their own line or endorse a line of exercise recovery protein drinks. Protein drinks provide nutrition needed to repa...
The primary purpose of protein is to repair, build and preserve cells and tissue in your body, including muscle tissue. Its main purpose is not to provide your body with energy, which is the primary purpose of carbohydrates. So...
They can also help you lose or gain weight and add valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients to your daily diet. But there are potential risks involved in drinking too many shakes, especially if they boost your protein intake ...
There's no need to drink protein shakes to reach any health or wellness goal, but regularly including them in your diet may make achieving some benchmarks easier. Protein shakes can also offer health benefits and add vitamins a...
Protein shakes offer several nutritional benefits for dieters because they are low in calories and contain minimal carbohydrates, making them versatile enough to fit into a wide range of meal plans. The timing of your protein s...
A prevalent myth surrounding protein shakes is that their purpose is to encourage muscle gain and help men "bulk up." Although it's true that high-protein foods can further those goals, it's also true that healthy protein shake...
Others view them as the key to successful muscle-building; you've probably seen protein supplements at the nutrition store touted as helpful for bulking up. There is still some question about whether protein shakes are truly he...
Protein shakes provide a convenient option for post-workout nutrition. Protein plays a key role in maintaining and building muscle. Refueling after working out helps to reduce the risk of muscle breakdown. When your body needs ...
Although protein shakes have many health benefits, there are several things to consider when thinking of using them as meal replacement drinks. Certain nutritional needs are not met with protein shakes that are found in real fo...
While these supplements may help you reach your athletic goals, they are not essential, and each product offers different advantages and disadvantages. Two popular supplements are protein shakes and recovery drinks, which offer...
Since protein is one of the most satiating nutrients, it makes sense that protein shakes may work as a weight loss aid. However, there's a big difference between occasionally having a shake and drinking nothing but shakes in an...
Although eating fast food every day and downing a few extra slices of cake or pie may help you get heavier, it's safer and healthier to gain weight by consuming nutrient-rich items such as protein shakes.
However, most Americans already get enough protein, and having more than you need leads to fat storage, according to Iowa State University. You can drink a protein shake as a meal replacement, but do not depend on them for regu...
A protein shake is a popular supplement among bodybuilders, but anyone who exercises can benefit from its ingredients. It consists of a protein powder and a liquid, usually water. Drinking a protein shake after your workout has...
The abundance of protein shakes and smoothie ingredients available in grocery stores and health food markets can be more frustrating than helpful when you need to make a decision about what to drink. Often, the freshest and hea...
One fact not in dispute is that muscles need to replenish the supply of glycogen, and it takes the proper nutrients to make that happen. Understanding the role glycogen plays in energy may help you decide which is better after ...
Fitness and nutrition researcher Dr. John Berardi calls post-workout eating the "most important aspect of exercise nutrition" and explains that protein is of primary performance. Protein supplies your body with structural compo...
Protein is the key to rebuilding muscles that you're exercised, and professional bodybuilders rely on supplemental protein to stay lean and grow muscle. Protein shakes are a portable way to help you gain weight without having t...
Protein shakes can be made at home or purchased pre-made. Protein shakes are typically used as a way of adding more protein to your diet. You may drink protein shakes if you are an athlete or are trying to increase your body ma...
After a hard workout, your body needs protein to maintain and build muscle, states a 2009 position article from the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine. Whether you'r...
Protein shakes are common health food concoctions that aim to deliver high amounts of protein without the addition of fat or cholesterol. Because the majority of protein sources are from meat, protein shakes are attractive alte...
Some people use them to lose or gain weight, while others use them to increase their consumption of protein or other nutrients. Although it may be difficult to get into the habit of drinking a protein shake for breakfast at fir...
Animal products such as meat and dairy as well as plant products like soy contain protein -- the building block of all human tissues. Unfortunately, some athletes, such as endurance runners, do not have the time or desire to ba...
An easy-to-clean protein shaker provides a healthy way to mix protein drinks on-the-go. The shaker consists of a cup or bottle with tight-sealing lid, often with a drinking spout. The most important feature is the mixer, spokes...
Consuming protein through food sources such as chicken, beans and dairy is the best way to get your protein. Women who have nausea during pregnancy, or who have very active lifestyles may find it difficult to eat the recommende...
Milk is a good source of protein and can be healthier and less expensive by volume than a commercial protein shake. For instance, a 16-oz. bottle of Muscle Milk, a popular after-workout protein shake, contains 330 calories and ...
Protein shakes appeal to athletes and dieters as an easy way to build muscle or lose weight. Available as pre-mixed, ready-to-drink products and as protein powders to be mixed with water, milk or other fluids, shakes provide a ...
Getting big biceps at the age of 50 requires proper training and nutrition. Resistance training workouts inflict muscular damage and the food you eat provides the nutrients required for your body to rebuild muscles bigger and s...
Although eating a well-balanced healthy diet meets daily protein needs, protein shakes offer a convenient way to consume extra dietary protein. A woman should carefully read the ingredient list on food labels of protein shakes ...
Protein is required for muscle growth and tissue repair. Although protein is found in a variety of foods, supplemental shakes provide easy access to protein. Shakes come in an assortment of flavors and can be mixed with liquids...
Protein shakes add calories and will stop you from losing weight if you do not account for additional calories in your diet. On the other hand, you will continue to lose weight if protein shake calories are factored in to your ...
Nature's Plus Spiru-Tein, which gets its name from two of its ingredients, protein and spirulina, is a high protein energy drink available in several flavors. Spiru-Tein provides 14g of protein per 8 oz serving along with 100% ...
The body needs protein for cell repair and muscle growth. Although you can get adequate protein through diet, supplementation with protein shakes may provide a convenient source of protein. Understanding protein function and va...
Many dietary supplements complement a diet that combines nutritrious, whole food with protein shakes. For example, the supplements creatine monohydrate and L-glutamine complement whey protein shakes to enhance performance and i...
If you use protein shakes as dietary supplements, you have probably wondered at one time or another, just when is the best time to drink these shakes. There is no wrong time to use protein shakes. However, you will want to chan...
Protein shakes are highly-concentrated beverages that contain a larger than usual quantity of protein. According to the MayoClinic.com, individuals who consume more than the 46 to 56g of protein a day recommended for most adult...
As many popular diets have touted their success with high-protein, low-carbohydrate intake, science has mirrored their sentiment and offered ample evidence of protein's rich and healthy effects on the body. Using protein shakes...
These shakes have begun to encroach upon a wide audience that includes people with dietary protein deficiencies, athletes and joggers. Many people can benefit from drinking these shakes; however, it's important to understand ho...
The market of protein shakes has grown rapidly, offering a plethora of flavors and added nutrients. Some brands boast all kinds of health claims, which may make you question their effectiveness. Protein is required by the body....
Protein shakes are convenient when you do not have time to prepare something elaborate like an egg white omelet with diced vegetables. Although they may not be difficult to prepare, you still need discipline to consistently dri...
Many Americans believe that protein supplements, such as protein shakes, will help them lose weight or build muscle mass. But the typical American diet contains more protein than other cultures, which makes protein shakes relat...
Though consuming solid food is the best option, it can be difficult to consume the necessary amount of food because of the time it takes to prepare foods high in protein. Drinking protein shakes is a good way to supplement your...
Healthy dieting techniques include limiting snacks and sugar consumption, eating high-quality healthy food and exercising during the week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidance. The University of Co...
Drink your protein, carbs and healthy fats from a diet drink or a protein shake to quickly feed your muscles, especially after an exercise session when your muscles act like sponges in absorbing nutrients. It is not much more d...
Abbott's EAS Myoplex is a ready-to-drink protein shake that usually comes in a four-pack. It is marketed as a meal replacement beverage, dietary supplement and post-workout recovery drink. This beverage is rich in calories, pro...
Fitness magazines and gyms boast about the power of protein shakes to enhance the results of your workout. Even if you are not a power lifter or body builder, protein shakes provide benefits including stabilized blood sugar lev...
