In most cases, Muscle Milk from CytoSport is intended as a recovery product after your workouts. You can use Muscle Milk on off workout days as long as you keep your calorie and fat intake modest. Muscle Milk is high in protein and can be part of a well-balanced diet if used in moderation.
Features
According to the manufacturer, if you are going to use Muscle Milk without a workout, consume the beverage at bedtime. To prepare the concentrated version of Muscle Milk, mix together one or two scoops with water. If you are using only one scoop, blend with 6 oz. of water. Use 10 to 12 oz. of water if you're mixing with two scoops of Muscle Milk concentrated powder. Ready to drink Muscle Milk flavors are also available.
Benefits
Muscle Milk contains a blend of proteins and amino acids. When you drink the beverage at nighttime, it will help regenerate your muscles from 30 minutes to seven hours after consumption, according to the American Council on Exercise. Additional nutrients found in Muscle Milk include potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin D and the B vitamins.
Considerations
Muscle Milk is high in calories and fat and should only be used in moderation. You consume approximately 310 calories and 4.5 g of saturated fat per 10 to 12 oz. serving. Calorie and fat intakes vary slightly between flavors of Muscle Milk. If you want to use Muscle Milk to lose weight, you’ll need to use the product as a meal replacement to reduce your overall calorie intake.
Time Frame
Limit yourself to only a single serving of Muscle Milk on off workout days. Since you will not be burning extra calories, drinking more than one serving can cause you to gain excess fat. Keep calories low at night on off workout days by eating a light dinner before you consume Muscle Milk. Within one hour before you go to bed, you should have one serving of the Muscle Milk. The purpose of drinking Muscle Milk at bedtime is that the slow digesting proteins are intended to help rebuild and recover muscle mass while you sleep.