Should You Enjoy Protein Bars Pre or Post Workout?
You wouldn’t be alone if you associate ‘protein’ and ‘exercise’ with muscly bodybuilders who eat lots of chicken, spinach and shakes to ensure the highest possible intake of protein. However, the reality is very different, anyone hitting the gym, playing a sport, running, or enjoying any type of exercise, should aim to have an intake of protein before or after their session.
Protein is what is known as a macronutrient. Which translates to protein being one of the main nutrients that we all need to maintain a healthy body. It is known to help repair muscle damage, boost the immune system and helps with a general sense of wellness.
Protein before a Workout
For fitness enthusiasts’ protein plays an important part in any workout. Consuming protein before or after a workout can significantly help in repairing and rebuilding your muscles, as well as helping to prevent muscle breakdown.
Enjoying a high protein snack before you start exercising will help boost your performance during your workout. This is thanks to the carbohydrate content in items such as protein bars and cookies. These carbohydrates will help fuel your workout and help prevent muscles from being damaged during your period of exercise.
Protein bars are known to be a great source of energy, having a snack before your workout will give you that high energy boost to help you push further, while at the same time taking care of your muscles before your put them through their paces with your workout.
Protein After a Workout
First and foremost enjoying your protein after a workout will deliver nutrients to your muscles to help recovery, as well as help them increase in mass and strength. Aiding recovering can help reduce those post workout aches and pains, this is because your body will work hard to synthesise the protein you’ve consumed in order to rebuild the muscle’s fibres.
Should you choose to have your protein after you exercise, it is suggested that this is done within the hour of your workout finishing. This period of time is what is know as the ‘anabolic window’ and is the ideal time to reap the benefits of protein bars or supplements.
So What’s the Answer?
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what your day-to-day routine is. If you’ve been busy and not had time to eat much, then ensure you have a high protein snack prior to your workout, that way you have given your muscles the fuel they need, as well as having a boost of energy.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to eat before a workout and you have consumed enough throughout the day, then have your protein post workout to ensure you’re making the most of your anabolic window and taking care of your muscles.
Where Does NuGo fit in?
We at NuGo may be biased, but we believe that our protein bars are perfect to eat at any time you want and we have a variety of high-protein snacks available.
NuGo Dark – With between 10 and 13 grams of protein per bar, our NuGo dark bars are the perfect protein snack. They taste delicious, give you that chocolate fix, and come in a choice of seven different flavours. https://nugonutrition.co.uk/collections/nugo-dark-range
NuGo Slim – NuGo Slim bars are the low sugar option. Each bar contains 16-17g of protein, 6-7g of fibre, 6-7g net carbs, only 3g of sugar. https://nugonutrition.co.uk/collections/nugo-slim-range
NuGo Cookies - Each deliciously baked cookie contains 16g of plant protein and 12g of fibre. NuGo Protein Cookies are certified gluten-free, vegan, OU kosher pareve, & do not contain margarine or soy ingredients. https://nugonutrition.co.uk/collections/frontpage