Protein
We all know we need protein to not only help us build muscle, but also increase metabolism which will in-turn help burn body fat. The types of protein are just as crucial as the amounts regarding benefits and effectiveness. Whey protein has the distinct advantage to being absorbed rapidly so it has the opportunity to flush your starving muscles with a healthy and abundant dose of amino acids (the building blocks of new muscle growth). 30-40 grams should do the trick.
Another type of protein to consider is casein protein. This is a slower digesting protein which is normally recommended in between meals and late-night intake. Recent studies have shown a small amount of casein combined with your post-training shake can be advantageous to your physique goals. It’s slower pace of digestion will ensure that once the whey protein has been used, casein will still be around to feed the muscle until you are able to get in a solid complex carbohydrate and protein-rich meal. Try 10-15 grams.
Sugar
Just as important as protein is carbohydrate intake post-training. Ingesting carbohydrate in the form of simple sugars raise insulin levels in the body which will help shuttle nutrients (namely protein) in to muscle cells to start the recovery and growth processes. This is also the best time for your glycogen stores, which were severely depleted during training, to be replenished. The amount of carbohydrate will vary with bodyweight and goals such as muscle gain or fat loss, but this process is crucial not only for recovery from the previous workout, but also sets the stage for the next session. Depending on your goals anywhere from 20 to 80 grams of a sports recovery drink, white potatoes without the skin or white bread with jelly will suffice.
Creatine
Now is the most crucial time to take in the most popular supplement to date: creatine. Creatine will be shuttled into the muscle with protein and carbohydrate and aid in the rapid recovery process and will be stored in the cells for a better workout tomorrow. Creatine has been shown to not only help with strength and mass gains, but also with fat loss and recovery between and during workouts. 3-5 grams is all it takes for creatine to be effective.
