If you go to the gym on a regular basis and spend a lot of your time lifting weights, then you more than likely consume a protein shake after your workout. Read any health or muscle building magazine, website, or blog and you'll be able to find an array of articles on protein and why it is important for muscle growth and fat loss. But did you know that not all proteins are the same? In fact, if you consume the wrong type of protein at the wrong time, you may not be maximizing your muscle growth...
There are many different types of protein, from animal protein, to egg protein and casein, and its important that you know which one is in your protein shake or protein bar before you eat it. Whey protein has proven to be the most effective protein source post workout, because it is a faster digestible and absorbable protein than many others, which is needed to replenish your body's protein after a grueling workout. I'd been blindly drinking a protein shake at the gym recently, only paying attention to the calories before I ended up reading the ingredients on the back, to find out the main ingredient was milk protein. Now don't get me wrong, milk protein is still good for you and actually does contain whey protein, but it also contains casein which is a slower digestible protein and may slow down the rate of which protein is absorbs by your stomach after a workout.
So whats the best protein to eat / drink when you are not working out? Well the opposite is true throughout the rest of your day, in that you need slower digestible protein that will keep you fuller longer and provide your body with a slow, steady rate of protein and nutrients. Most fitness professionals recommend getting your protein from whole food sources, in small frequent meals throughout the day. Meat, eggs, fish and dairy products are great sources, and casein is recommended at night before you go to bed, as it is one of the slowest digesting proteins and can provide your muscles with continued amino acids while you sleep.
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