2.    Convenience

After your workout, you may need to leave immediately to go home to the family or even run on to work. As a result, your post-workout nutrition needs to be easily available without requiring a significant amount of time to prepare, cook or even eat. You can purchase ready-to-drink protein shakes or you can simply add a scoop of protein powder to water or milk for a homemade shake. You can also blend a protein shake using yogurt and fresh fruit for a breakfast following an early morning workout.

3.    Energy

Protein shakes provide a quick source of energy by replenishing glycogen stores lost during the workout. Carbohydrates, for example, are a primary source of energy and the carbohydrates in the protein shake "refuel" your body to replenish the energy stores in the skeletal muscles, liver and blood. The protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients in the protein shake help your body control various bodily functions such as metabolism.

4.    Weight Loss

As a result of all the above this can be achieved. Although you are able to consume all of your dietary requirements through your diet from food, consuming a protein shake after a workout can supply the body with the amino acids needed for recovery, but also give you a three hour window to get the next meal prepared, instead of rushing home, tired and grabbing sugar as a result of lowered blood sugar levels post exercise. By drinking a protein shake after a workout, you reduce your daily caloric intake while consuming a small amount of protein and additional nutrients. However, protein shakes are designed to complement a balanced nutrition plan of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein such as fish, poultry, meat, nuts, seeds and eggs.