Best Pre-Workout and Post-Workout Drinks

Should you have protein before or after a workout? That is a common question for rookie and experienced exercisers alike. The answer is that both may be equally beneficial. What’s more, grabbing some protein before and after workouts may have additional benefits for bariatric surgery patients. Here’s the scoop on the best pre and post-workout drinks.

Pre and Post-Workout Nutrition

Protein is necessary to help injured muscles or muscles with microtears repair themselves after working out. In addition, many bariatric surgery patients need extra help meeting their protein goals. Pre and post-workout drinks can help you get more protein while supporting calorie burn and a stronger workout.

Before a workout, it is especially important to avoid fatty foods and high-fiber foods that can make you feel queasy or give you an upset stomach while exercising. After a tough workout, if your doctor agrees that you have some wiggle room, adding a serving of carbs can speed up the process of replenishing depleted muscle.

Protein Shakes and Smoothies

Protein shakes from the BariatricPal Store deliver 15 to 30 or more grams of protein per serving, and most are sugar-free and low-carb. The days of choking down chalky protein powders are over, too. Our protein shakes are easy to prepare just by mixing them into water, milk, or another favorite beverage, and they taste great.

Classic flavors include Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry, but you can also go further afield with flavors such as Cheesecake and Caramel. Protein Fruit Smoothies and Protein Fruit Drinks are our idea of low-carb, refreshing alternatives to sugary fruit drinks.

Protein Shots

Protein Shots have a lot of protein in a small package. They let you down about 30 grams of protein in a few swallows so you can get your protein anywhere, anytime. Be sure to have some water when you take your Protein Shots!

Protein One

BariatricPal Protein One is the answer when you are looking for a protein shake that is a cut above the rest in terms of nutrition and flavor. It is fully fortified with over 20 vitamins and minerals, plus it has dietary fiber and an irresistible taste. Each serving has 27 grams of high-quality whey protein. For your convenience, choose from single-serving packets or a multi-serving resealable pouch.

Other Great Protein Sources

There are plenty of foods you can try to get your protein before and after workouts if you are looking for something other than drinks. For example, Protein Bars, Protein Cookies, and Protein Chips are all high-protein, low-carb, and perfectly portable so you can stash them in a gym bag. Meat and Fish Jerky, Bean Snacks, and Cheese Crisps can also hit the stop. Another option is a spoonful (or two) of Protein Peanut or Nut Butter, plain or in flavors such as Hazelnut White Chocolate, Peanut Butter Confetti Cake, and Chocolate Chip.

Keeping up with your workout program can help you succeed after weight loss surgery, and you will go further if you have the proper nutrition. Pre and post-workout drinks can add badly-needed protein in a delicious form, and hundreds of varieties are in stock now at the BariatricPal Store. Just be sure to check with your surgeon or doctor before you try anything new in your diet or exercise routine so you can be confident in your choices!