When and how much protein to take for muscle growth?

[MaxDSP]

Is it better to take it before, during, or after a workout? Ive been taking about 40-60g of whey protein a day after my workouts. I know I should be taking 1 g of protein per pound of body weight, but protein is hella expensive. Anhow, is there a specific amount of protein that the body can digest for a certain amount of time, and then gets rid of excess protein? I ask because I just bought packs of Myoplex meal replacements and each packet contains 42g of protein. I was thinking of taking a packet after working out in the afternoons (usually around 1 pm) and taking a packet before I go to sleep.

any suggestions?

 

[Noriaki]

The protien shake we use, is suppose to be taken in the morning and immediately after a work out.

And don't forget to make daily use of a good multivitam. Go to a health store and get a good one, dont' get centrum or some crap from safeway.

You'll just piss out your protien if you don't have the vitamins to absorb it properly, then it's a REAL waste of money.

And yeah I think the 1g/lb in a day is a good estimate. And just keep up a good steady workout if you are on protien supplements, if you don't, then you'll just get fat

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Those meal replacements are too expensive imho. A good 2lb jug of protein will run like $22 or so, lasts 2~3 weeks if you have 3 shakes a day, 2 scoops per shake. You should take one after your workout but not immediately after - your glycogen stores are empty so you should have a 3:1 carb to protein ratio right after your workout, and then a protein shake about an hour after. I try to have a shake in the morning, post workout, and a couple hours before bed. (Your body builds muscle while you sleep)

 

[Punisher007]

Don't worry man, taking 40-60g of protein is fine...if you weigh 60lbs!

If you're trying to build muscle, that's not going to do anything for you. You HAVE TO take between 1-1.5g times your body weight, depending on your weight training program. Gaining muscle also involves eating the right foods in the right amounts. While Myoplex is a good start, you need to get a meal plan customized for what you are doing (bulking, cutting...)

My suggestion is ditch the myoplex and any meal replacement and get PROTEIN shakes. Most products have between 20-30g of protein per serving. Assuming you weigh 120lbs:

2 x 30g servings in the morning = 60g
2 x 30g servings in evening = 60g

PM me if you have any questions

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

How big are you, what other activities are you involved in, and how much "food" do you eat?

If you want to stretch your supplement budget . . . double your milk intake (assuming you aren't lactose intolerant) and half your protein. Skim milk has 1g protein/oz so a pint with half a packet after lifting and a pint with the remainder before bed (those growth hours) would give you 74g protein on the relative cheap. There is evidence to support protein supplements before and during sessions but the gains are minor compared to postworkout/recovery supplementation. A catch22 with bedtime supplements is that growth hormone peaks during the first 90 minutes of sleep and the largest increase is associated with low normal blood glucose levels. If you do it just right your shake bumps blood sugar just enough to trigger insulin release which will lower blood sugar and then insulin levels fall as well right before growth hormone would start kicking in.

There is a limit to protein digestion/absorption but it is seldom reached in normal individuals. As your body senses excess protein it will use some for muscle growth but the balance will go down the toilet.

 

[MaxDSP]

hehe...I weigh 160 lbs. I am also finishing up a jug of Isopure rite now, which is what I have been taking for a while. I just picked up the myoplex packets based on a friends recommendation

 

[MaxDSP]

keep replying, as I need more info about this, but gotta get to sleep. Have class at 7 am

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

Those meal replacements are too expensive imho.

My suggestion is ditch the myoplex and any meal replacement and get PROTEIN shakes.