Why have a protein drink after excercise?

[blix]

Hi. I am new to this nutrition while excercising thingy. I always used to excercise without thinking about it. I recently have started using strap on weights, (small ones) and using my new mini stepper. Also, with the help of painkillers, I walk at least 2 miles a day. Some days, this is divided up into three sessions according to my pain level. My muscles are starting to feel toned and on the mini stepper, I can now do 10 minutes a day. My questions are, why should we have a protein drink after excercise, and what is this thing aout electrolytes? What are they and how to deal with it.????:confused: :)

[belleadonna]

Who says that you have to have a protein drink after exercise?? Actually, carbs are a better choice. Eat fruit. That will give you good carbs to feed your muscles and fruits will also replenish your fluids. :)
Green smoothies are a great choice too.

[NoniPixie]

i found the absolutely best thing ever to have after exercise is apple and celery juice. first of all it makes all my muscles feel amazing... i started doin it about three years ago and to tell you the truth i can't remember the medicinal reasons why those specific foods are so good in juice form afterwards. i will ask my hubby when he gets up and repost......

[Conscious Midwife]

Definately stay hydrated, keep your blood sugar levels natural regualted and consider green smothies at some point duirng the day for both healing and protein.

Good Luck:D

[blix]

[QUOTE=belleadonna;391755][B][SIZE="2"][COLOR="Purple"]Who says that you have to have a protein drink after exercise?? [QUOTE]

Oh, it's just things I see on television, you know those muscly types who go on about protein drinks. :) I assumed they drank them after excercise. I know I must do something after excercise, but wasn't sure what. I will drink the apple and celery juice. I love that drink.:)

[belleadonna]

Most bodybuilders, especially the ones you see on TV, haven't a clue about good nutrition. They gobble protein like candy bars and most of them are dehydrated and not in good health.

[NoniPixie]

okay, i got it. jes said that you should drink apple and celery juice right after working out because of the potassium and sodium. those are the two elements your body needs to be able to flex your muscles and also what you need to allow them to relax. so the drink is put towards replenishing the muscles of those elements after a workout. plus it tastes freakin good.

[blix]

Thanks Thanks Thanks.

Nonipixie I will drink more celery and apple juice. I love the taste. It's funny, but I used to hate celery, and now, I find it refreshing. I have only been having a little of it every day though. Now, I will have it after a walk, after my excercises as well. :)

Belleadonna, Thanks for your comments on protein. That is a great relief. I just want to get toned and fit, not muscular. ;)

Lifeagift, what a lovely name. Thank you for your input. I eat nuts and seeds. ( And I still eat cooked garden peas)God bless you all.xxx:)

[belleadonna]

You are welcome. But remember, protein doesn't give you muscles, exercise does. Protein only feeds the muscle. I assume that you are a woman. I am too. You won't get huge muscles from lifting weights. That's a common mistake. Women aren't built like men. It takes testosterone to build huge muscles and we ain't got that!! The women that you see in the magazines that have huge muscles take steroids, even though they will deny it till death.

I have been lifting for at least 20 years and I do not have huge muscles nor do I want huge muscles. I keep my protein intake at about 10% or less. Same with my fat intake.

By the way, if you haven't already, consider reading, "The China Study". It is an invaluable book!!
Good luck!!

[blix]

Thanks. Yes, I am a 59 year old woman. I never knew how much protein I should have. I have a better understanding now. I really appreciate your input and Knowledge. :)

[Blazin'Jane]

Belleadonna, I love you!! You and I share a philosophy about this issue. I couldn't agree with you more!! I just finished Douglas Graham's little book on Nutrition and Physical Performance, and it was pure music to my ears! Eat more fruit, then add some greens, and you'll be fine. You'll also get all the electrolytes you need!