Do you take milk before a workout? When taken at the right time and in the right quantity, milk can provide you with the energy and hydration to endure intense exercises.
However, there are certain things you should know about taking milk before your daily exercise routine.
This article explores the benefits of taking milk before a workout routine, and how it can either be a good or bad idea.
Is it bad to drink milk before a workout?
Although not advisable for consumption immediately before an exercise, it is not bad to drink some milk before working out. Milk contains enough electrolytes and fluids that provide sufficient energy for intense exercises.
However, due to the high-fat content present in whole milk, taking milk just before a workout can cause adverse effects.
These effects include sluggishness, constipation, bloating, sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting in some cases. This is because the high-fat content prevents the milk from being quickly digested.
Should you drink milk before or after a workout?
Although a lot of people indulge in the traditional glass of milk or fruit shake before a workout, you should take milk after your workout.
This is because dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are not only rich in protein but also contain a lot of fat. Hence, taking milk or dairy products just before a workout would end up making you feel full and slow.
However, taking them after a workout will supply your body with the carbohydrates needed to replenish your energy and protein needed to repair and build your muscles.
Should a bodybuilder drink a lot of milk?
Yes, milk is a great and affordable workout fluid for bodybuilding routines. Not only does it contain enough proteins, but it is also loaded with fats, micronutrients, and carbohydrates.
These nutritional advantages make it ideal for bodybuilders. Some of the micronutrients present in milk include B vitamins, phosphorus, and calcium.
In fact, milk nutrients deliver the perfect balance of muscle growth and glycogen replenishment after intense workouts.
How much milk do you need daily to build muscle?
To build muscles from the nutrients provided by milk, you need to drink at least 3 cups of low-fat milk daily. This amounts to about 24 grams of protein and 300 calories.
Out of this minimum of three cups daily, one to two cups of milk should be taken immediately after every intense workout. This would help you gain muscle mass within a short period.
Drinking milk effectively increases muscle protein synthesis, thereby leading to muscle build-up.
Also, a study suggests that when milk is consumed after intensive bodybuilding training, lean mass and significant muscle increase occur within 12 weeks of consistency.
SEE: How 2 Percent Milk Is Made
Is milk good for weight loss?
Yes, milk is great for weight loss and weight management in addition to muscle building. This is because milk is rich in protein and protein-rich foods help improve metabolism.
They also keep you feeling satiated for a longer period, decreasing your hunger and leading to low-calorie intake.
Contrary to some opinions that taking milk before sleeping can lead to weight gain, you are unlikely to see such changes if it does not significantly increase your daily calorie intake.
However, some studies have shown that you can gain wealth when you indulge in late-night snacking. Still, late-night snacking when done in moderation also has its health benefits.
The relationship between milk drinking and gaining weight may be related to sleep deprivation. You tend to crave food and indulge in unhealthy snacking habits when you do not get enough sleep.
Hence, poor sleep can lead to unhealthy and rapid weight gain within a short period. To use milk in weight management or weight loss, go on a diet and take two to three cups daily.
SEE: Is Milk Is A Food Or Drink? Find Out
What is the best milk to drink after a workout?
Low-fat or nonfat milk remains the best kind of milk to take after a workout. In fact, they offer more benefits than sports drinks and quickly replace fluids lost during the workout.
Additionally, milk digests slowly and contains a lot of electrolytes that keep you hydrated and satisfied much longer.
Soy milk is a great example of this kind of milk and contains healthy fat. However, when compared to milk from cows, it has fewer vitamins, nutrients, and protein.
Which type of milk is best for bodybuilding
Skimmed milk is recommended for bodybuilders and will help them double the size of their muscles.
Also, milk is much cheaper when compared to dietary supplements and bodybuilding pills mostly used by bodybuilders to get buff.
SEE: Skim Milk Cheese – Read Everything You Need To Know Here
Benefits of drinking milk before a workout
Drinking milk before a workout can provide your body with the energy required for an intense workout. However, this solely counts on your stomach to be able to handle the effects.
The calcium present in the dairy also aids proper muscle contractions.
FAQs
What plant milk is good for workouts?
Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, hemp milk, and rice milk are all great workout drinks. However, Soy milk remains the best cow milk alternative as it offers more nutritional value than the rest.
How is plant milk better than animal milk?
Unlike animal milk, plant milk contains more healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat and fewer calories. They also provide nutritional benefits that you can get from the whole plant.
How long should you drink milk before a workout?
Drink milk two to three hours early if you plan to use it as a pre-workout energy booster. This is because milk takes time to digest and can lead to nausea, sluggishness, and constipation If not allowed to digest before starting your workout.
Conclusion
I would say that if it is at all possible, you should refrain from taking milk before a workout. In addition to making you weak and sluggish, milk can upset your stomach, which could potentially make you feel sick or nauseous during a workout.
However, the fact that some people may have digestive issues when drinking milk does not mean that everyone will. And for those who do not have any problems with drinking milk in the first place, there is no logical reason to abstain from doing so before a workout.
Wondering how much milk you should consume daily? Find out the recommended amount of milk your body needs daily.
I hope you found this article helpful. Thanks for reading.
