Does anyone drink a protein shake after working out?

I have read from different articles that it's good to have carbs and protein in your system 15-60 mins after a good workout. They recommended drinking a protein drink so that your body can absorb it right away and that will help in your weight loss. Is this true?

There's a lot of calories in a protein drink that's why I'm kinda leaning against it. But I'm just wondering if it is really a good drink after working out and if it helps out at all in your weight loss.

Bunny, you can have one any time you like, just make sure that whatever calories your shake contains, fits within your consumption goals for the day.   You can also experiment on adding the protein to muffins, breads or anything you like.   You'll find recipes on the net somewhere I'm sure. 

Keepliftin66 I saw the stevia too.  I like stevia and I think it's nothing but a giant Monsanto and HFCS industry conspiracy that keeps it from the market in North America as a food additive.  It's used all over the world.  It sweetens Diet Coke in Japan for God's sake.  Hundreds of millions of people consume it everyday, yet over here, almost no one has heard of it.  Maybe when we start serving the needs of consumers instead of the bottom lines of large corporations, we'll see it here in food, but don't hold your breath!!!

Thanks very much! I'm going to look into it. 

I always have whey protein after a work-out or a long walk (min. 1 hour).  It has helped me build a lot of muscle.  I have also lost some weight by doing this.  It really has helped shape my body.  Sometimes, like others, I add a bit of fruit (1/2 cup), strawberries, blackberries, 1/2 banana, etc.

I also need the help, I eat very little meat (I use to be vegetarian for 13 years), so I usually don't get the required min. amount of protein each day without it.  And, because of this, also gives me more motivation to work-out because I only have whey protein after a work-out.

I know this is a silly question but does slim fast count? I've been trying out different flavors in hopes I'll find one I like, luckily DF loves the stuff lol. But since I work out usually at 10:30 or 11:00 in the morning while my daughter naps I have lunch right after working out. But it's usually just a salad. I'm not a big meat eater either. I planned on drinking the slim fast in the mornings instead of breakfast but should I revise that plan and drink it instead of eating a salad for lunch? I'm not sure how much protein and stuff it has in it, I just know it has a lot of vitamins and stuff and I'm really lacking in the vitamin area. Any advice?!

Regular slim fast won't really help, they do have a higher protein slim fast, but they make me sick.  If you're looking for a ready to drink shake similar to slim fast I would suggest Atkins shakes, they are high protein low carb and calorie.

I gotta go with keepliftin on all fronts here, though I have a different preference in shakes.  I do believe (I may be wrong but I think this is right) that MOST people's bodies can only use about 30g of protein at a time so if you measure our your powder to equal 30g it's optimal and you save $ by not "wasting" protein.  An isolate works great because it's really fast acting, though I like a blend personally (for both taste and recovery reasons).  My favs are Designer Whey and Champion Pure Whey Stack.  Made with water, Chamption Pure Whey Stack has about 200 calories for 34 g of protein (1.5 scoops), Designer has 150 cal for 28g protein (1.5 scoops) = both flavors in chocolate.

I also like isopure chocolate (105 cal, 25g protein for 1 scoop) and IDS Vanilla Cinnamon(24g protein, 125 caloreis for one scoop) and Syntrax Nectar Fuzzy Navel (135 cal, 34.5g protein for 1 scoop).  There is a great comparison chart that shows you the breakdown of proteins.  I would recommend any protein on that list and would suggest finding a place to purchase samples before buying a big jug of it.  http://www.vitalady.com/ComparisonChart.htm

The best part about shakes is the ease of use.  Get an old small water bottle.  Add a scoop to a scoop and a half of the powder.  Toss it in your bag.  After your workout, add water and shake.  Enjoy.  These are calories your body will really, really like :o)

Apricotbunny, I think adding a protein shake as a snack even if you don't work out is a great idea.  Even better, add a half a banana, a tsp of PB and blend it up with ice.  Delicious, filling, and depending how much protein you need/want in a day, it could account for 1/3 of your protein!

With my Synrax Nectar Fuzzy Navel, my favorite thing is 1/2 an orange, a couple slices frozen peach, 6oz water, blend til smooth.  Then add a scoop of the protein and stir it in (sometimes isolates get foamy if you blend them, so stirring is better), and enjoy.  OMG I wish I had some protein right now.  That's one thing I totally miss living in Africa. 

Side note that is important for women...there is another great product called UpCal D.  It's a powdered calcium, and one scoop is 500mg of calcium citrate with 250mcg of Vit D (or whatever the measurement it).  Ok, so who cares, right?  Well, even if you are eating well, a lot of women dont' get enough calcium and despite our good intentions many things, including genetics, can lead to osteoporosis.  One thing I like to do is just add one of those tiny scoops to my protein shake, especially my blended ones, and voila!  Bone insurance.