Proteins are important nutrients, which are the building block of our bodies. Their importance cannot be overstated in the diets of bodybuilders and people who are keen on gaining muscle mass and losing fat. Protein shakes have gained immense popularity in the sphere of muscle building, and rightly so, considering the immediate benefits they provide. However, as with every aspect of life, correct timing is very important for consuming them and reaping maximum benefits.
Why protein shakes
Although we receive proteins from natural dietary sources, they also contain carbohydrates and fats. Carbohydrates and fats are needed by the body, but in limited amounts, especially if you are keen on keeping the adipose levels down for that ripped look. Bodybuilders who aim for increased muscle mass and low fat levels prefer protein shakes since it gives them an instant protein boost without the added load of high carbohydrates and fats. Additionally, proteins when consumed in liquid form are easily assimilated by the body and provide immediate nutrition to stressed muscles.
Your pre-workout fix
About an hour before your workout, you should supply your body with proteins. The logic is simple. Suppose you were building a house; wouldn’t you start out by gathering all the materials that you needed to build your house? Similarly, your muscles require protein to get bigger and stronger, so it is a good idea to ensure that they have an adequate supply of proteins prior to your workout. Proteins need time to get assimilated by the body and reach the muscles. That is why gulping down a protein shake an hour before your workout will help to ensure that they are available for immediate use by your muscles during your workout. Proteins are also thermogenic, i.e., they raise the core temperature of the body and enhance fat burn. This maximizes fat loss during training and helps preserve muscle mass.
Post-workout
After an intense work out, the muscles are worn out. They suffer wear and tear and are highly stressed due to low glycogen levels, which is their fuel source. They are in a catabolic state, i.e., they are breaking down the available
proteins for repairing themselves. This decreases the levels of protein in the body. The remaining available protein levels are not adequate for building more muscle mass. Bodybuilders do not only want to rebuild and refortify the worn out muscles but want to add more mass to them. Hence more proteins need to be supplied to the body to provide the muscles with building blocks. This protein deficit can be restored by consuming a protein shake within one hour after your workout.
Other benefits of protein shakes
Most Protein shakes also contain some amount of carbohydrates. Proteins combined with carbohydrates enhance the insulin response of the body. This helps to replenish the glycogen stores in the muscles and thereby provide the necessary fuel. This furthers muscle growth and helps maintain the balance of nutrients in the muscles. These shakes are generally enriched with other essential amino acids, glutamine, and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s). All these elements are extremely essential to release, stimulate, and inhibit certain hormones and enzymes in the body for maximum muscle gains and fat loss.
