When should I take my protein shakes?

[ecmoney]

Hey Guys,
I just started taking some protein that I bought from GNC (Pro Performance ISO whey) which is 40g per shake. What is the best times of the day to drink the shakes? I usually drink one first thing in the morning before I go to work. Then when I get home from work I will drink another right after I exercise and would drink an optional one at night before I go to bed.

What is your opinion on this, is this ok? Should I drink one at night before I go to bed? I know that the most important time is right after you exercise which I am doing already and also first thing in the morning.

[psyko1]

that actually sound pretty good. they're so convenient you can drink one when you're on the run and you're hungry, just add milk not water.

[beefcake]

I even take one in between meals. I use water though to make it less filling. Whatever floats your boat bro.

[gdbear65]

sounds ok, but I would add one fifteen minutes prior to working out - I drink one every three to four hours, during the day, then a final one before bed. Check out the Beginners Fitness Forum - you'll a lot of good info there.

[sana]

i think you shouldn't look at protein powder this way.

it is a SUPPLEMENT to real food.

meaning - to help you get enough protein in your diet. so if you're supplementing your breakfast with a shake b/c you don't like to eat 10 eggs or egg whites, then fine. so IMHO, there is no "good time" to "take it".

it's food, treat it as such. just a convenience food - that's all.

[redsquirrel]

Also- to piggyback on what Sana said,

You really need to eat solid food for your first meal of the day. When you just eat the protein shake, it digests too quickly making absorption of the protein more difficult.

[ecmoney]

Originally posted by redsquirrel
Also- to piggyback on what Sana said,

You really need to eat solid food for your first meal of the day. When you just eat the protein shake, it digests too quickly making absorption of the protein more difficult.

Thanks red,
I trust your opinion and judgement and will not replace my breakfast with a protein shake. For the past month I was eating Oatmeal as my breakfast but for the past few days I was just having the shake and no longer eating my oatmeal. I will now still eat my oatmeal and also have one of the shakes.
Thanks for all your help!

[redneck99]

One shake in the morning ...
shake at lunch ....
shake after workout...
shake before you go to bed ...