Quantity

• While protein shakes are beneficial for anyone who takes them, it is important to remember they are supposed to be taken as a supplement to healthy eating in addition to working out. Regular meals are to be eaten, with protein shakes being consumed either in the mornings or after working out. On days where you workout, two to three shakes are an adequate amount and on non-workout days, only one to two shakes should be consumed if necessary.
  
  

Morning

• Drinking a protein shake first thing in the morning is especially beneficial because the body has not had food for the last eight or more hours. Since no protein has been added to the body, the muscles start to become broken down for energy, known as catabolism. Drinking a shake as soon as you wake up blended with a simple carbohydrate like banana stops muscle breakdown and provides protein to your body for necessary fueling.
  
  

After Workouts

• Another ideal time to consume a protein shake is within 30 to 60 minutes of a resistance or weight training session. It is important to not wait long after a workout to drink a shake, because muscles are more likely to receive the important protein sooner rather than later. During weight training, the muscles get small tears when broken down and the valuable protein helps to repair them more quickly for repair and recovery. Combining the protein shake with a simple carbohydrate also helps the body absorb valuable nutrients like amino acids more efficiently, promoting muscle and tissue growth.