post workout protein shake

How a LADDER Post-Workout Protein Shake Can Help Speed Your Recovery

By Jenessa Connor

You know it's best to follow a workout with a healthy dose of protein, but how appealing is a T-bone steak when you're still sweating from 20 minutes of HIIT? A post-workout protein shake — specifically with LADDER Whey Protein or Plant Protein — is the far more appetizing (and efficient) post-workout protein fix your body needs to help recover and rebuild.*

Support your recovery so you can bounce back faster from workouts with LADDER Whey or Plant Protein! Shop all premium supplements.

Eating After a Workout

Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, Ph.D., director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory and co-director of the Human Performance Center at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, says that protein needs vary based on individual factors, including:

  • Size
  • Exercise intensity
  • Fitness goals

But “the general rule of thumb is that you should have about 20 to 30 grams of protein within a few hours after exercise." If your workout is particularly long or grueling, you'll need to add some carbohydrates and wait no more than two hours post-workout to refuel.

Considering the relatively small window of time for effective protein consumption, a LADDER post-workout protein shake may be a better option than whole-food sources of protein. “A benefit of a liquid supplement, versus whole foods, is based on faster absorption and quicker recovery," Smith-Ryan says.

That said, you don't need to reserve LADDER post-workout protein shakes for gym days. “LADDER protein can and should be used throughout the day," Smith-Ryan says. “You need protein whether you have exercised or not. If you can't get a full meal with high-quality protein, the LADDER protein is a great option to serve as a supplement to the other whole foods during the day."

Why LADDER Protein Helps After a Workout

The protein found in a LADDER post-workout protein shake contains the amino acids your body needs to help repair and rebuild muscle tissue damaged during a workout. But sipping on a LADDER post-workout protein shake offers an even wider range of health and performance-related benefits.*

According to Smith-Ryan, consumption of protein post-exercise has been shown to maximize muscle protein synthesis.

“The muscle is like a sponge," Smith-Ryan adds. "During exercise, you ring it out; post-workout, it is primed and ready to soak up what you feed it."

What Makes LADDER Better Than Other Proteins?

First, the quality of the ingredients in a LADDER post-workout protein shake differentiates it from other protein supplements. “The ingredients sourced for LADDER products are of the highest quality," Smith-Ryan says. "Importantly, there are few additional ingredients. You can read the label and see the ingredients and understand them. They all have a purpose."

Compared to other protein supplements, LADDER's formula is deliberate and precise. “You may notice ingredients that you have seen before, but LADDER includes them at the beneficial amounts," Smith-Ryan says.

LADDER Protein Shakes to Try

Mixed with just water, LADDER protein powder is pretty delicious. (“The taste and transparency are second to none," Smith-Ryan says.) But if you're looking to whip up a more substantial snack, try one of these LADDER post-workout protein shake recipes:

Chocolate mint shake

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 scoop Chocolate LADDER Whey Protein Powder
  • ½ large banana
  • ½ cup fresh mint
  • 1 Tbsp. cacao powder
  • 2 tsp. chia seeds
  • 1 pinch sea salt (or Himalayan salt)

Instructions: Place almond milk, ice, LADDER Whey Protein, banana, mint, cacao powder, chia seeds, and salt in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Avocado and Spinach Shake

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup ice
  • ½ cup baby spinach
  • 1 scoop LADDER Whey Protein Vanilla
  • ¼ medium avocado
  • ¼ cup reduced-fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ tsp. ground cardamom

Instructions: Place almond milk, ice, LADDER Whey Protein, spinach, avocado, yogurt, and cardamom in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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