Does eating carbs after workout improve absorption of protein shake?

Question

I heard at my gym of some guys having a small snack consisting of carbs (a fruit or cereal bar) before the protein shake and their reasoning is that the carbs will be "burned" by the system first letting the protein to recover the muscles later.

There is even some sort of timing for this: 1 cereal bar right after work out and protein shake 30-60 minutes after workout.

Does any study/article backs this kind of rationale?

Answer 1

Here's an article from the National Strength and Conditioning Association that addresses a similar question: Recovery Nutrition for Athletes.

It doesn't discuss a carb-first, protein-later strategy, but does talk about a carb+protein post-workout drink. (Studies have shown protein is absorbed more readily in liquid form.)

There seems to be a definite benefit to having a carb+protein supplement immediately after a workout as compared to taking the supplement 1 hour after workout.

Their recommendation is this:

Athletes who are serious about their performance should consume a high carbohydrate-moderate protein meal (with fluid) or recovery drink after every workout, practice, and competition. It is also best advised to consume carbohydrate and protein with fluid during exercise and/or immediately post exercise.

The article also says that both the carbs and proteins are useful to your body immediately after (even during) workout, so I see no reason to delay protein consumption.

Answer 2

My answer is no. Take a protein shake first and wait until it leaves stomach (at least 1 hour). This way your protein will be absorbed within the "window of opportunity", which means it will be absorbed quicker and less % will go to waste/fat. If you eat snack before that, it will be in your stomach for at least 2 hours and it will reduce the absorption rate of your protein shake.

Hope that helps.

PS: if you are in the fat loss category, running in the morning on the empty stomach, wait for an hour and then have light breakfast - is the best way to lose weight. I lost 25kg last year that way (plus weight lifting during the day and heavy diet moderation).

This link might interest you: http://www.thesportjournal.org/article/glycogen-replenishment-after-exhaustive-exercise