In addition to being a source of strength, power, and stamina while competing, protein is also the primary driver of lean muscle growth. To get the most out of your training and leave the gym with more gains than bruises, it’s important to get enough protein at each meal. Here are some tips on how much protein you need after your workout and how to get it in your diet as often as possible.
How Much Protein Do You Need After A Workout?
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, so it makes sense that most people associate it with muscle. But what you might not realize is that it’s also essential for just about every other organ in the body. While your muscles are the primary site of protein use, the other organs in your body also rely on this macronutrient to function properly. To give a few examples, your liver uses protein to produce blood clotting factors and your kidneys use it to make enzymes that break down waste products. That’s why it’s crucial that you don’t go overboard with protein intake and miss out on other nutrients.
You Need More Protein When You’re Building Muscle
As you know, serious weightlifting is a no-brainer for anyone focused on gaining muscle. The tricky part is that it’s not as simple as eating a ton of protein-rich foods and expecting your muscles to grow. There are a few things you need to do to ensure that your muscle-building efforts are successful. That means eating enough calories from a combination of protein, carbs, and fats in your diet to fuel your workouts, as well as choosing the right supplements to help you recover and build even more muscle than you expected. For some people, this may mean upping their daily protein intake significantly as much as 1.5 times more than the recommended daily amount.
Timing Is Key For Effective Protein Intake After A Workout
Like all nutrients, timing is key when it comes to consuming protein after a workout. While it’s true that you don’t have to eat right after a workout to benefit from the increased uptake of amino acids into muscle cells, it’s currently recommended that you do so. That’s because the anabolic window of opportunity for muscle growth is much shorter when you exercise regularly. To maximize the effects of your post-workout meal, you want to aim for within 30 minutes of finishing your last rep. This is when your body shifts from a catabolic state to an anabolic one and starts repairing itself, synthesizing proteins and repairing broken down cells. You can maximize the effect of this shift by consuming a good amount of protein and carbs.
Top 12 Sources of Protein for Muscle Recovery
One of the most versatile sources of protein, eggs are also incredibly affordable, easy to prepare, and incredibly healthy. While whole eggs used to get a bad rap for being high in cholesterol and fat, research now suggests they have no relation to heart disease. They’re also one of the most affordable sources of protein, with one-egg breakfasts being just a few cents. A single large egg contains about 6 grams of protein, as well as a host of B-vitamins and minerals that help with muscle growth and repair. If you’re not a fan of eggs for breakfast, you can also choose fish for your protein-rich meal. Fish is a great source of protein and also provides a ton of essential nutrients like B-vitamins, magnesium, and selenium. Beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and they’re also very affordable. Beans have a low-calorie density, meaning they pack a lot of protein into each serving while keeping calories low. You can find beans in many dishes and they go with almost any meal. Whether you like it rare or well-done, beef is a great source of protein. It’s also rich in essential amino acids and trace minerals that help with muscle growth and repair. Yogurt is an excellent source of protein and also contains probiotics, which are good for your gut health. If you’re trying to gain weight, it’s recommended you choose brands with more than 15 grams of protein per serving. Milk is one of the most popular sources of protein, and for good reason. It’s rich in essential amino acids and B-vitamins, as well as being naturally isotonic. Be sure to choose low-fat milk to avoid unnecessary fat and calories. Nuts are a rich source of protein and also healthy fats. You can choose from a variety of different nuts, and they are great snacks to have around when you are trying to gain weight. Beans are a fantastic source of protein and also have a low-calorie density, meaning they pack a lot of protein into each serving while keeping calories low. You can find beans in many dishes and they go with almost any meal. Oats are a great source of fiber and protein, making them a wonderful breakfast food choice. You can either make a bowl of oats or add oats to your favourite pancakes, waffles, or muffin recipes. Rice is a cheap and effective way of getting more protein in your diet. You can either eat rice as a side dish or add it to your meal for extra protein.
Bottom Line
For best results, you should consume between 15 and 20 grams of protein after a workout. To maximize protein uptake and repair, you also want to pair it with a source of fast-acting carbohydrates such as a sports drink or a piece of fruit. For the best results, try to consume your post-workout meal as soon as you finish your last set, and make sure you’re eating enough protein in your diet throughout the day. For best results, try to consume your post-workout meal as soon as you finish your last set, and make sure you’re eating enough protein in your diet throughout the day.