Protein Before Bed

KimL1214 · 01-18-2012, 11:38 AM

The radio is full of fat loss hype ads of liquid protein before bed. A simple solution where you don't have to change your diet or exercise more, but lose weight. I knew it was too good to be true and did a little research. What the ads don't tell you is that you have to take this liquid protein on an empty stomach, no eating three hours before you take it. There's your calorie deficit. Sooo, I don't buy it, but I'm curious about the protein before bed idea and wondering if with diet and exercise, is there a benefit to protein in the evening hours?
Upon further research I did find many articles promoting eating protein and/or drinking a protein shake 30-40 minutes before bed. There are many arguments as to why this is beneficial, as well as why it can just be an extra calorie intake. Overall I have found that having a late night snack is not taboo, but it is important to have a good balance of protein and carbohydrates in that snack. A common suggestion is cereal with milk, as well as a low-cal milkshake as milk has both protein and carbs. Does anyone do this? I work out a couple hours before bed, and protein is beneficial for helping rebuild muscles and helping keep muscles from breaking down. First problem, I'm lactose intolerant. Soy milk doesn't agree with me either, and while I like almond milk, it only contains 1/3 of the protein in a regular glass of low fat milk. Suggestions? Ideas? What do you think of the protein before bed hype?

Jelbb · 01-18-2012, 11:46 AM

Hum. I'm not sure I subscribe to the idea. While I'm sure there can be benefits of upping your protein intake, this... before-bed-protein-equals-weightloss thing... it strikes me as just another fad concept.

I pulled up a review of this concept and read this:
http://bruzzbuzz.hubpages.com/hub/Is...r-Does-it-Work

I don't know. Anything that claims to help you lose weight with no diet and exercise just strikes me as silly. If weight loss were that easy, there wouldn't BE overweight people.

I think a protein shake at bed just for the sake of having protein is extraneous calories, and unnecessary. If you've allotted calories for a bedtime snack, then have at'er in my opinion, especially if you're hungry... but I'd just make sure you were getting in a rounded diet of healthy fats, carbs and proteins during your whole day, and stick to the tried and true methods of calories in-calories out.

KimL1214 · 01-18-2012, 11:53 AM

I just edited my original post, because I realized that I never said that I don't buy the liquid protein idea. It is too good to be true, but as a former power lifter and someone who used to ingest a lot of protein through food and shakes before for muscle building purposes, I'm wondering if it is something I should be looking into once again? How do you make sure you get your protein in throughout the day and what are your ideas about protein in the evening?

Jelbb · 01-18-2012, 11:58 AM

I tend to invest a lot of time into making sure I have protein in every meal and most snacks throughout the day. I know it's great for building muscle, and it also helps me stay feeling full.
In the morning, I have a fruit smoothie with protein powder. My morning snack is turkey jerky because it's basically all-protein, really filling and very few calories. For lunch, I'm always sure to have a lean meat or low-fat cheese of some kind to get in my protein intake, and same with dinner.

Whether there's a weight loss benefit to a pre-bedtime protein fix... I'm not sure. Not that I'm aware of, but someone might be able to correct me if I'm wrong.