I’ve had a few friends ask about when they should have protein after a workout and if a protein shake should be used as a meal replacement, so I thought I would talk about what I do after a workout.  This is what works for me, everyone is different so keep that in mind.

I have no set time when I workout, it could be anytime between 8am and 8pm so my protein intake is always different.  I try to have a protein shake within an hour after my workout, this is something I’ve done for a long time.  I have a hard time either finding the time and actually being hungry enough to eat actual food such as chicken, tuna fish, or eggs after a workout, so I drink Whey Protein instead.  There are times where its lunch time when I get home from the gym, so I will have a shake and some chicken and a carb such as sweet potatoes and that would be my lunch.  Research has found that protein promotes muscle growth and muscle repair, so the sooner you can get your protein after a workout the better.

I know a lot of women who are scared of the thought of more muscle; they think they will get bulky which is absolutely not true.  More muscle equals less body fat, you will not look like The Hulk, you will be lean and awesome! 🙂  It’s pretty hard for a woman to get bulky or look like a body builder, it’s just not going to happen unless you are taking steroids.

Last, there are times I will use my protein shake as a meal replacement.  Usually if it’s a rest day, I will still have the shake for breakfast or lunch but I add extra calories  such as a banana or almond butter.  I actually love the taste of protein shakes, so it feels like a treat to me…mmm it’s making me hungry just thinking about it.  Here’s a recipe for one of my go-to shakes:

6-8 Ice cubes                                                                                                                              handful of spinach                                                                                                               1/2 cup of mixed frozen berries (mine are from Costco)                                                       1/2 banana                                                                                                                                  1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (this is from Coscto)                                               Water filled to about an inch from top of blender cup, blend, and enjoy!!