Protein Shakes and Fat Loss

I'm currentlt training to lose fat, build strength and muscle (a hard one I know).
 
I lift weights 3 days a week (Mon,Wed,Fri) and follow a 5sets-5reps routine (Frankie NYs) and I do 45min-1hr cardio 6 days a week.
 
Anyway, I use a protein shake straight after my weights work out and I was wondering if I should do the same on my cardio only days or will this inhibit my fat loss?
 
Sorry for the basic question but I just wondered if the 'window of oportunity' was still valid after a cardi session as it is after a weights session.
 
ATB.
 
 

I wouldnt have a shake post cardio - its not that intense so your recovery needs are not as great.
and its a good way of having a greater calorie deficit without further restricting your diet!

There is a window for recovery after cardio - however, the response is different in cardiovascular exercise - and I havent read any studies on the effect of submaximal exertion and recovery protocols - but reading what I have - I doubt many are approaching the level required for the response you get from an intense weights workout!

Again - note - intense weights workout :)

if you workout like a wet lettuce then the shake is pretty pointless - but I know no one on MT is anything but intense! :)

Les Willis
Nutrition Consultant
Healthy Action

I used to think I knew what busy was - now I am too busy to think about it!

Thanks mate

ATB.

Interesting post Big Les, wouldn't you have one post cardio if you have done 40 - 60 mins HIIT?? I do!!

Very Poor: 25%+ - Jan 09
Poor: 20-25% - Current
Average Male: 16-20% - June 09
Lean: 10-15% - October 09
Extremely lean: 6-9% - One step at a time peeps!!

Flanders


Interesting post Big Les, wouldn't you have one post cardio if you have done 40 - 60 mins HIIT?? I do!!

nope

Thing is the way I structure cardio is either pre breakfast fasted - and yes I have had someone do HIIT pre breakfast fasted, or post weights or at weights time
Both of these times mean that there is a meal soon - and so no need for the shake.

and HIIT although hard - is not the sort of destructive exercise that I think a post workout shake is designed for. You can get replenishment over a longer period.
After exercise to exaustion (Or close as in elite endurance performance), or weights (which have a micro tearing effect) then you have a completely different kettle bell of fish compared to cardio for fat loss or fitness.

if you are an endurance athlete - then i can work something out for you too :)

Les Willis
Nutrition Consultant
Healthy Action

I used to think I knew what busy was - now I am too busy to think about it!

40-60 mins of HIIT would leave you very depleted so I would have a shake.

That said if you managed to do 40-60 mins of HIIT in the truest sense of the word then I tip my hat to you.

Registered Nutritionist
NSCA Strength & Conditioning Coach

Your probably not doing HIIT for 60 mins No one can go full pelt for 60 mins, even with the minute or two down time. Even 15 mins downtime, doubt max effort is being acheived in the last 1/4.