Is it okay to drink a protein shake for breakfast? Beachbody's Blog

You may have given up on your protein shake after a hard workout. But are protein shakes good for breakfast? Yes – in fact, it’s a great way to get more protein every day. If you’re ready to turn things around, here’s what you need to know about sipping on protein shakes as part of your breakfast — plus some delicious breakfast recipes made with protein powder.

How much protein do you need per day?

The minimum daily requirement of protein for your body is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. (To determine your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2.)

But you may want to think of this number as just a starting point. Many of us – including Very active people And the People looking to lose weight May need a lot more protein – more than 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per daysays Krista Maguire, RD, and senior director of nutrition at Beachbody.

Is it okay to eat protein shakes on an empty stomach?

“There’s no reason you shouldn’t have one in the morning on an empty stomach,” McGuire says. But if you drink a protein shake as part of your breakfast, you may want to go beyond just mixing your protein powder with water. To make it a complete meal, McGuire suggests adding ingredients like fruit, nut butter, yogurt, oats, or seeds.

“Protein helps you feel full,” McGuire says. “So a protein shake for breakfast — with some fruit or complex carbohydrates and healthy fats — makes for a complete, balanced meal that provides the energy and nutrition you need.”

Should you drink a protein shake before or after your morning workout?

If you prefer morning workoutsYou may be wondering when to have a protein shake: before or after your sweat session. the answer? Whatever works best for you.

“The Research It is still not known whether protein or specific amino acids – the building blocks of protein – consumed before exercise can aid post-workout recovery,” says McGuire. However, sometimes digestion and exercise don’t mix, so it’s a good idea to Give yourself an hour or so between your shake and your workout.

From then on, your muscles have entered rebuild mode Right after a workout, eating protein within 30 minutes of your workout ending can help give your body those building blocks it needs to do it effectively. Beachbody performance recoveryA proprietary blend of fast-absorbing whey protein, medium-absorbing pea protein and slow-release casein protein ensures you’ll have protein on hand for the entire process.

All that being said, when it comes to Protein timingHowever, your total daily intake may be more important than planning your protein intake around exercise. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to train your protein focus to this total above all else.