Nutrition/ Consuming shakes as a meal replacement while working out?

So I have no clue about the extra nutrition needed if you work out. I know that you need to consume more protein to build muscle but do you eat this before or after you workout? How about carbs- do I eat them before or after I work out? Is ther anything else I should add & when?


I am also thinking that I should buy protein powder & make a daily shake and drink it as a meal replacement since I have a newborn & a 2 year old & can barely eat 1 full meal a day. What is your favorite protein powder? and how do I know how much to add- will the container let me know?

Re: Nutrition/ Consuming shakes as a meal replacement while working out?

Are you talking about weight training or cardio? And what are your goals? Building muscle? Fat burning? The nutritional needs are slightly different depending on what kind of workout you are doing.

Pre- Cardio:
Have a fast acting carbohydrate, like a rice cake with a tiny bit of PB or 1/4 cup of oats or something like that. You don't want to eat so much that you are just working to burn off the carbs/glycogen you just ingested but it is important to have SOMETHING to get your metabolism moving.

Pre-Weight Training:
Make this a bit more substantial---have some protein with your rice cake or protein/egg whites with oatmeal.

Post Cardio:
You can wait a bit on the carbohydrates to prolong fat burn but get your protein in within a half hour or so to prevent muscle catabolism.

As for post Training:
Getting that protein in within a half hour again is optimal...carbs are good to have as well, but not necessary. If you aren't going to be able to have a full meal after training,a t least have a protein shake to prevent muscle breakdown.

Does this help at all?

As far as how much protein, it is definitely individually based on height, weight etc.

Re: Nutrition/ Consuming shakes as a meal replacement while working out?

Re: Nutrition/ Consuming shakes as a meal replacement while working out?

Get that weight training in!! Soo important for fat loss!!!

Re: Nutrition/ Consuming shakes as a meal replacement while working out?

Re: Nutrition/ Consuming shakes as a meal replacement while working out?

You can do them the same day if you want. I do daily even if it's just 15 minutes of HIIT. I just enjoy it. It is best to separate your sessions but obvious not everyone has time to do that! I know I dont! I generally do my weight training first and then my cardio afterwards. I take BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids) in between to make sure my muscles are not eating themselves by the end of my workout!