There have been many recent studies validating the importance of post-workout nutrition. The studies have clearly shown that ingesting a shake consisting of whey protein and simple carbohydrates (instantly after a workout) helps aid muscle recovery and replenishment.
The results of these studies have shown such positive results from using these shakes, I doubt that you can find a fitness expert who doesn’t advocate their use regularly. Is this the best protocol for everyone to follow? Let’s look at this objectively and answer this question once and for all.
In over 16 years as a fitness professional, I have found that these shakes are very useful for certain individuals. For example, if your goal is to gain muscular weight, I highly recommend their use.
Following a tough workout, your muscles energy stores will be depleted. Depleted muscles are hungry for replenishment and therefore soak up the majority of calories ingested at this time. This makes less calories available to be directed towards body fat stores.
But remember what our goal is: Losing body fat! Do you believe that it’s a good practice to slam down a sugary beverage after each workout when your goal is maximal fat loss? How can all of that sugar better your fat burning results? The reality is that it does not. In my experience, these shakes can slow the rate of fat loss rather significantly.
After reading through all of the research, I’ve learned that these studies were not performed on subjects whose goals were fat loss specifically. So I experimented with these shakes on myself and my clients. The rate of fat loss slowed across the board. These are real world results and unlike some lab study, these findings are accurate. So to burn fat at the fastest rate possible, you must lose those high sugar post-workout shakes!
I’m sure you’re saying, “Alright, but what should my post-workout meal consist of?” The answer to this question is much less complicated than the supplement companies want you to believe. All you need to do is eat a solid meal! This meal can be structured exactly like any of your daily meals. I do believe however, that this meal should be eaten within one hour after your workout.
Remember, your rate of fat loss will always be faster when you eat healthy, solid meals. So if you want to lose your excess body fat as fast as possible, ditch the post-workout shakes. Just eat a meal instead and get a lean body in no time.
