Whey protein is derived from cow’s milk and is a fast absorbing protein with a good amino acid profile. Whey protein, by itself, is a type of high quality protein that is easily absorbed by the body. Having a protein shake in the morning helps boost up your protein levels, and gives you energy to start your day because upon wakening, the body is pretty much in a starvation mode because during the night the body has used up all the protein in repairing the damaged muscles. The body is weak and wants protein to kick start its day and what better protein to give it than whey protein. Whey protein is good in the morning because it does not spike your blood sugar. If your blood sugar gests spiked in the morning with a high glycemic meal, your blood levels can crash down, and can actually drop. This can cause you to become tired hungry. Protein shakes help you avoid this from messing up your morning.

Working out on an empty stomach is not a good idea and consuming whey protein before you workout can really give you some extra energy. It's usually best to have about half of what you normally take. Just enough to fuel your muscles, but not make you bloated. The main point is not to lift weights on an empty stomach with low protein levels. You won't have a productive session. Research also shows whey protein increases the blood flow to muscle fibers because of its increased nitric oxide and that means the muscles get more of the stuff that blood carries like oxygen, glucose, amino acids, anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone. You'll have more energy for the workout at hand, and when the workout's over and your muscles are ready to enter the growing phase, all the critical elements for growth will be in abundance.

Taking whey protein powder as soon as possible after any type of workout is recommended as this is the time when the muscles can use the protein the most, as it begins to repair the muscle cells that were damaged during the workout. Research has shown that the human body absorbs protein very quickly immediately after exercises. It’s considered that there is a one hour window after training that is the best opportunity to load your body with whey protein. When taken immediately after an intensive workout, you will see astonishing results. Once the workout stops, the muscle fibers are ready to grow if the critical building blocks are there. If not, the muscles will break down. Whey protein provides a fast source of aminos that will be absorbed quickly and taken up by your muscles by the time the workout is over. If you're only going to take protein once a day, make sure it's after your workout. Trainers and bodybuilders all agree that you have a limited time of about 60 to 90 minutes after a workout where you really need to eat and refuel your body. After a workout, you've ripped and torn your muscles. They're broken and starving for a meal. This is the best time to take whey protein as it is the time when your protein levels tend to be very low. Your muscles take everything they can find to keep you energized throughout your workout. When you're finished, your protein is gone and needs to get filled up.