Like nutrition and training everyone has an opinion on what is the ideal way to handle the post-workout period.

Some feel you need to buy one of those specialized post-workout drinks.

Others feel that solid food is fine.

So what is the ideal approach?

Or is there even an ideal approach.

For my money, I feel it comes back to your current goals and genetics.

First, from all the reading I’ve done on the subject, I’m convinced that a straight whey protein shake—can get the job done—and is effective if you are not carb tolerant and are worried about gaining fat.

But you must realize one thing, there is a chance you are throwing away some gains by not having carbs in there post-workout.

Again, to me it comes down to your goals, are you willing to forgo some gains to stay more lean, or do you want all the gains you can possibly get.

Myself personally, I prefer to stay on the lean side so I am fine with just going with a protein shake after most of my workouts—sometimes it is a straight whey shake at others it is a mixed blend.

Also, of course, it comes down to genetics, the ultra hard gainers, the guys with super fast metabolisms that cannot gain a pound even from throwing back nothing but junk food are the ones that really need to pay attention to the post workout period.

SOME POINTS

Another approach to consider is your goals, once winter starts creeping in and you are less worried about showing ripped abs and more concerned with gaining some solid muscular weight—switch away from a straight whey shake after your workout to a shake that contains protein and carbs.

Then when winter starts coming to a close switch back to a straight whey shake while you are trying to lean out for summer.

It would be at this point in this post that I would like to be able to recommend a high quality post workout product—but I cannot because the one I liked—well lets just say I’ve read something about the company that I didn’t like so I’ve stopped recommending their product.

As far as a straight whey product I have no trouble recommending Optimum Nutrition’s 100% whey gold standard—as I feel it is a good product.

If you feel that a mixed blend works best—I like Beverly International’s Muscle Provider and Dave Draper’s Bomber Blend.

Note: I am going to be picking up a can of a mixed blend protein powder than I have not tried before—so stay tuned for a review!

CONCLUSION

Post-workout nutrition is something that I realize a lot of people have very strong opinions about.

To me though, it comes down to your current goals, what you put the most emphasis on—either leanness or maximum muscle—and of course your genetics.

By choosing the right product at the right time—you can maximize the potential benefits and minimize the negative.

STAY FOCUSED