protein is important at all meals 5-6 times per day. As for a protein shake I would recommend immediately following the workout or prior to bed possibly both depending on your overall protein requirements.
Calculate protein needs by by 1-1.5 grams per LB of lean mass. divide that by 6 meals a day and that is your days intake for protein.
I've just bought the protein powder because I think it will be helpful as I'm a picky eater and no I don't get nearly enough. Normally I have a cup of soup at about 10am nothing before that and then nothing until like 4 or 5pm I was thinking I could do a drink for breakfast, cup of soup, drink right after work out then some dinner.
I tend to really over eat at night...obviously because I don't eat anything all day. I like all the basics chicken/fish/veggies/eggs so I can do a proper dinner but for breakfast & lunch while I'm at work I don't really know what to have and I don't leave my desk so it's got to be something kinda quick and easy that is why I've been having the cup of soup. I thought I could use the protein drink as a meal replacement for bf and lunch but I don't want to over do it on it. I don't want to gain weight that is why I tend to not eat much during the day but then around 5pm I tend to eat everything because I'm so hungry. I know my diet is lacking. What do you think of the protein powder for BF & Lunch...and if I did that should I still have it after my workout. (I leave my house at 6am so don't have time for breakfast before work)
Protein pwders aren't a magic bullet. They are a real big help for a solid diet but you are going to have to get a few real meals in. There is always time for breakfast and Mom was right it is the most important meal - hard boiled egg whites travel well and instant plain oatmeal can be made in a mug with hot water. Cook in bulk, freeze things and learn to travel with a cooler - I wish there was a short cut, I'd be at the head of the line.
