More and more people these days use protein powders and drinks. Mainly because it’s convenient. These can be ready-made drinks or specific ones such as vegetable proteins, collagen, whey protein, egg, and so forth.
And I did a detailed overview of this topic in a past article entitled, “Everything You Want & Need To Know About Protein Powders”.
But today I wanted to address a question that was asked often, “What is the best way or time to have my whey protein drink?”
I always prefer people to have whole meals with solid protein sources – the kind you chew. I think protein powders should be limited to maybe just once a day or if you’re in a rush.
However, there is an ideal time to have your whey protein and that’s around your workout.
For example, I mix about 30 grams of whey isolate + 30 grams of highly branched cyclic dextrin + 1 teaspoon of MCT oil containing only caprylic acid, C8.
I have about 1/3rd of it 30 min before my workout, 1/3rd of it halfway through my workout, and the final 1/3rd after my last set when I’m done with the workout.
This fuels my workout, allowing me to do more sets, without burning out, and also gives me a better pump.
And this is because the whey isolate and highly branched cyclic dextrin are both fast-acting and easy to digest. No bloat or gas.
They get into your bloodstream quickly and also raise insulin levels – which I want during my training to help lower cortisol levels and thus, elevate testosterone.
However, because I’m only having a little bit at a time and not all at once, there isn’t a massive insulin spike and thus, no crash either.
The whey isolate is high in BCAA and gives 5 grams worth, which is great for muscle building and cortisol reduction. To put it to work, see 3 workouts a week for maximum muscle and fat loss.
And the MCT oil, using only the C8, caprylic acid form, gives me energy and focus because of the ketones. It’s a mild effect, but I do notice it. It has a lot of health benefits as well.
Plus, the C8 version is much easier on the stomach and causes me no discomfort – while other MCT oils do – which contain C10 and C12. However, I still only take 1 teaspoon at a time, not much more. I may take another teaspoon in the morning when I wake up.
And I’ve found this to be the best way to build more muscle, lose fat, and improve your body composition.
You can also add in a teaspoon of glutamine and creatine as well into this drink and you’ll further maximize your muscle-building workouts.
Remember, it’s all about hormones and optimizing them.