What is the best time to drink a protein shake for weight gain?

Author: Prof. Oral Lockman  |  Last update: Saturday, August 9, 2025

If your goal is to gain weight, incorporating protein shakes throughout the day and/or as a bedtime snack can help you reach your total calorie and protein goals.

When should I drink protein shakes to gain weight?

Protein is vital for muscle building, yet during resistance training or weight lifting, your body naturally breaks down protein. To offset this breakdown and support muscle repair and growth, it's recommended to consume additional protein (such as your protein shake) within 2 hours post-workout.

Can I drink a protein shake at night for weight gain?

Yes, drinking a whey protein shake after dinner or before sleep can be beneficial for muscle gain. It provides a source of protein that helps support muscle repair and growth during the overnight fasting period. However, ensure it fits into your overall daily protein intake and doesn't exceed your calorie goals.

How to take a protein shake for weight gain?

How To Make Protein Shake For Weight Gain At Home? Blend whole milk, banana, peanut butter, oats, protein powder, and honey for a calorie-rich shake. Add Greek yogurt or nuts for extra protein and nutrients.

What is the right time to drink a protein shake?

What is the best time to drink protein shake? An hour before workout, or sometime after your workout, or in the mornings. Don't replace a shake for your meal, as a complete meal is needed by the body. Supplements can just be additional help to get nutrition. Check the ingredients of the protein powder.

When Is the Best Time to Drink a Protein Shake?

How many protein shakes should I drink a day to gain muscle?

And if you're not that active, you likely don't need more than one protein shake per day. If you're extremely active (more than one workout per day, or extremely long training sessions), three protein shakes per day might be appropriate, Byrd says. The bottom line? Protein shakes are supplements, not food.

Can I drink a protein shake for breakfast without working out?

It can Lead to Long Term Health Consequences

It's like having a habit that could affect your body over time. Without exercise, the extra protein from the shakes might not be used well by your body. This could lead to issues like gaining too much weight or not having enough muscle strength.

Can a skinny person gain weight by protein shake?

Adding protein shakes to your daily diet can help you gain weight very easily and efficiently. The added calories, proteins and nutrients will help you to grow muscle and put on weight.

How can a skinny person gain weight?

In general, your plan may include:
  1. Eating more frequently. Slowly begin to eat 5 to 6 smaller meals during the day. ...
  2. Choosing food with lots of nutrients. ...
  3. Top it off. ...
  4. Try smoothies and shakes. ...
  5. But watch what and when you drink. ...
  6. Exercise.

Will I gain weight if I drink 3 protein shakes a day?

Body builders tend to favor whey protein, as it is a rapid acting energy source that helps them to pack on muscle, or bulk up. If you consume these shakes with no changes to your diet and cannot exercise for hours a day, you will definitely gain weight by drinking them.

Can I drink a protein shake on an empty stomach?

Can you drink a shake on an empty stomach? In most cases, drinking a protein shake on an empty stomach won't cause you any harm. “If it's a tough workout, try hydrating with water during the workout first and then drink the protein shake after,” says Patton.

What to eat before bed to gain weight?

A handful of nuts such as almonds or peanuts, can be an excellent choice for a snack before bed to help you gain weight. Not only are nuts high in healthy fats, but they are also high in calories, making them ideal for healthy weight gain.

What are the side effects of taking protein powder?

Excess intake of these proteins can also cause increased bowel movements, bloating, and even nausea. Other side effects include flatulence and diarrhea. If taken in excess quantities, protein supplements can cause you to gain weight. And by weight, we mean fat.

Will I gain weight if I drink protein at night?

Accelerates Weight Loss

Drinking a protein shake not only promotes MPS, but it also pushes your metabolism into overactivity. Your body needs more energy to absorb and digest the protein you washed down before sleeping. While consuming more energy, your body burns calories even as you sleep, leading to weight loss.

What shake is best for weight gain?

3 shakes for healthy weight gain
  1. Banana nut butter shake. 2 tablespoons peanut or almond butter. 1 banana. 1 cup chocolate milk. 1 scoop protein powder (blended shake)
  2. Chocolate shake. 3 slabs dark chocolate. 1 scoop protein powder. 1 cup chocolate milk.
  3. Oatmeal shake. 1 package instant oatmeal. 1 cup chocolate milk. Toppings of:

How much weight do protein shakes make you gain?

But whether it comes from whey powder shakes or from whole foods, consuming protein alone won't make you gain or lose weight. The only thing that determines whether you will add weight to your body – in the form of muscle or fat – is your daily intake of calories.

What is the best protein for weight gain?

Best protein powders for weight gain
  • Whey Protein: A Popular Choice for Muscle Mass. ...
  • Casein Protein: Slow-Digesting for Sustained Muscle Growth. ...
  • Milk Protein Concentrate: Balanced Protein Source. ...
  • Beef Protein: An Emerging Contender. ...
  • Skim Milk Powder: Comprehensive Nutritional Profile.

Why am I skinny but I eat a lot?

You may be born naturally small and your low BMI can be due to your genes. You may have a very high metabolism and find it hard to put on weight, even if you eat foods that have a lot of calories. You may not follow a healthy, balanced diet because you forget to eat or cannot afford nutritious foods.

Is peanut butter good for weight gain?

Peanut butter is high in protein, aiding weight loss, but it is rich in calories, so it can help you gain weight if you consume too much of it. Nuts are some of the healthiest things you can eat, providing proteins, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals.

When to drink a protein shake for weight gain?

Consuming protein before bed is a good idea if your goal is to gain weight or build muscle. Older adults may want to consume protein before going to bed to help maintain muscle strength. Consuming 30 to 40 grams of protein before bed can help maintain lean muscle mass and improve muscle recovery.

Which fruit is good for weight gain?

  • Nov 8, 2024. ...
  • These fruits are nutritious and calorie dense at the same time. ...
  • Mango (Calories: ~60 kcal per 100g) ...
  • Banana (Calories: ~89 kcal per 100g) ...
  • Custard apple (Calories: ~94 kcal per 100g) ...
  • Grapes (Calories: ~67 kcal per 100g) ...
  • Chikoo (Calories: ~83 kcal per 100g) ...
  • Jackfruit (Calories: ~95 kcal per 100g)

What happens if you eat protein but don't workout?

You can't build muscle without the exercise to go with it. The body can't store protein, so once its needs are met, any extra protein is used for energy or stored as fat. Excess calories from any source will be stored as fat in the body.

Can I just drink protein shakes and not eat?

And if you rely too much on protein shakes to replace daily meals, you'll miss out on the healthy benefits of whole foods. Since protein has calories, consuming too much can make it harder to lose weight.

How do I tell if I'm eating too much protein?

Consuming more protein than the body needs can cause symptoms such as intestinal discomfort, dehydration, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and more. Chronic protein overconsumption can also increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, blood vessel disorders, liver and kidney issues, and seizures.

Previous article
What state makes the most clothes?
Next article
Will I gain weight if I sleep after a morning walk without?