There's plenty of talk about loading up on protein after workouts to speed muscle recovery. But do you really need a protein shake?
Unless you're training like a bodybuilder with hours of heavy lifting, extra protein—or a shake—isn't essential. Your regular diet should cover it.
This assumes you're already getting enough protein daily. If you eat vegetables, chicken, fish, or eggs regularly, keep the protein powder on the shelf. Vegetarians and vegans missing animal sources, however, may find a post-workout shake helpful to hit their protein targets.
Why are proteins so important? Proteins are vital for healthy muscles, organs, nervous system, and blood. Exercise causes minor muscle damage, repaired when your body breaks down dietary proteins into amino acids. Aim for about 20% of your diet from protein sources, and you're set.
Read also: 5 frequently asked questions about proteins
Track your intake with apps like MyFitnessPal to log meals and confirm you're meeting protein needs.
