How Many Protein Shakes A Day?

Written by Ben Carlisle

Last updated on: Oct 03, 2022

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If you're lifting weights to gain muscle, you might be wondering how many protein shakes you should be drinking each day. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are some guidelines you can follow to make sure you're getting enough protein.

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There have been several studies about protein shakes, their nature, and their contribution to muscle/strength gain (1). Naturally, there is scientific evidence about the pros and cons associated with protein shakes as well (2).

Read on to find out how many protein shakes you should be drinking each day to build muscle.

What are Protein Shakes?

Protein shakes are a quick and convenient way to consume additional protein, which is important for supporting muscle growth. However, how much protein you need depends on several factors, including your weight, training intensity, and goals.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many protein shakes you should drink per day, there are general guidelines you can find at the back of the protein you purchase. Generally, drinking 1-2 protein shakes per day is a good way to ensure you're getting enough protein to support your goals.

It is a good idea to drink a protein shake after waking up and before going on your morning run. The second shake can be consumed 30 minutes before or after your workout sessions. These two should be enough unless you are participating in intense strength training. You can increase your consumption to three in this case, but make sure that you are burning all the extra calories!

How Many Protein Shakes Should I Consume Per Day?

There are a few things to keep in mind when determining how many protein shakes to drink each day. According to the International Society for Sports Nutrition, 0.25 grams (0.01 oz) per kg of body weight is enough for muscle and strength building. On the other hand, you can also consume 20-40 grams every day as an absolute measure (3).

It is important to recognize how much protein you need per day before making a decision. The recommended dietary allowance for people engaging in intense exercise 2-3 times a day is 0.8 grams per kilogram (2.2 lb.) of body weight or about 55 grams per day for a 75 kg (150 lb.) person.

However, if you're trying to lose weight, you may need more protein than the RDA. For example, athletes and bodybuilders typically consume 1-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight or about 68-136 grams per day for a 150-pound person (4).

It is important that you keep in mind that not all protein shakes are created equal. Some contain more protein than others, so you'll need to adjust your intake accordingly. For example, if a protein shake contains 30 grams of protein, you'll need to drink less than three shakes per day to meet your daily needs.

You can learn more about the protein’s content and make from the decryption behind the package. If you believe that you have had two to three servings already, to avoid digestion issues you should try to seek other ways to get protein besides shakes. The milk content within does you no favors when looking to lose weight (5).

How Many Calories Does a Protein Shake Have?

Protein shakes are a great way to get extra protein in your diet, but they can also be high in calories. If you're trying to lose weight or manage your weight, you may be wondering how many calories are in a protein shake.

A typical protein shake has between 200 and 400 calories, depending on the ingredients. If you're making a protein shake at home, you can control the calorie content by using low-fat milk or water and avoiding high-calorie ingredients like ice cream or chocolate syrup.

If you're drinking protein shakes as part of a weight-loss plan, you may need to limit yourself to one or two per day and make sure that they don't replace healthy meals. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how many protein shakes are right for you.

How Much Should I Exercise After A Single Protein Shake?

If you're like most people, you probably have a love-hate relationship with exercise. You know it's good for you, but it's often hard to find the motivation to get started. That is where a protein shake comes in. Adding a protein shake to your post-workout routine can help you feel more satisfied after a workout and may even help you see results faster.

But how much should you exercise after drinking a protein shake?

The answer may depend on your goals. If your goal is simply to improve your overall health, the CDC suggests that you should have at least 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. That means about 20 minutes per day, five days per week (6).

But if your goal is to build muscle or lose weight, you may need to up your game. A 2017 study found that those who exercised for 60 minutes after drinking a protein shake saw greater muscle growth than those who didn't exercise at all. However, the results were similar for pre- and post-workout intake (7).

So, if you're looking to maximize the benefits of your protein shake, aim for a workout that lasts at least 30-60 minutes. And be sure to drink plenty of water before, though.

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What Happens If I Drink Too Many Proteins Shakes?

The human body is not designed to consume large quantities of protein in the form of shakes. The body processes these shakes by breaking them down into amino acids and then converting them into glucose or fat. Proteins are essential for a healthy diet, but the best way to get them is through natural sources like meat, fish, eggs, and beans.

If you drink too many protein shakes, you may be consuming more calories than you need. This can lead to weight gain and digestion issues (8). In addition, too much protein can tax your kidneys and cause dehydration.

Are Protein Shakes Good For Me?

Protein shakes are a popular drink that many people use to help them lose weight and build muscles. But are protein shakes healthy for you? The answer is not as simple as it seems.

Protein shakes can be healthy if they are made with the right ingredients, in the right proportions, and consumed properly. However, if they are not made correctly or over-consumed, then they can be unhealthy for you (9).

There are a few things that you should know about protein shakes before you decide to drink one:

• What is in the shake?

• How much protein is in the shake?

• How much sugar is in the shake?

• What kind of milk do you use?

• How many grams of fiber are in the shake?

It is important to always consider whether or not a shake is the right option before consuming it. Remember, there are always ways to get more protein into your diet from food sources.

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References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521232/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28937838/

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642676/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033492/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3441106/

6. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm

7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5214805/

8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26797090/

9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793312/


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