Should You Consume Protein Before Or After Your Workout?

One of the hardest parts of building lean muscle is starting a training program. There's so much to learn, from gym equipment to proper form to nuanced protein "rules" that many preach on social media. However, the rigidness of it all isn't always valid. 

Many gym-goers and protein fanatics say you should always consume your protein shake post-workout and definitely within an hour. But is that really true? According to Baxter, well, not so much. 

"It's not that narrow," she says of the post-workout protein window, adding that you could consume it one or two hours before or after your workout. As long as you fuel your muscles with protein at some point, you should be A-OK. The actual timeline isn't so stringent.

The more important factor? Your protein quality. Baxter suggests searching for a food source rich in essential amino acids and leucine—the latter of which can be used by your muscles to provide energy during a workout as well. 

While many people say you should drink your protein shake right after your workout, you may have a longer window than you think.