Since study after study has demonstrated such positive effects from these shakes, most fitness professionals highly recommend their use after each workout. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, let's step outside the box and evaluate if these shakes are effective for everyone to use.

I agree that post workout nutrition is very important for the purposes mentioned above. If your goal is primarily muscle building or weight gain, these shakes are a great way to easily consume an abundant amount of calories at a time when your body is least likely to store those calories as body fat.

Following a tough workout, your muscles energy stores will be depleted. Depleted muscles are hungry for replenishment and therefore soak up the majority of calories ingested at this time. This makes less calories available to be directed towards body fat stores.

But remember what our goal is: Losing body fat! Do you believe that it's a good practice to slam down a sugary beverage after each workout when your goal is maximal fat loss? How can all of that sugar better your fat burning results? The reality is that it does not. In my experience, these shakes can slow the rate of fat loss rather significantly.

I've read through all of the research and the truth is that none of these studies were performed on subjects whose primary goal is to lose body fat. So I decided to do my own studies. I experimented with the standard post-workout shake with all of my fat loss clients. Their fat loss results slowed substantially. Based on these findings, I no longer recommend these shakes to my fat loss clients.

I'm sure you're saying, "Alright, but what should my post-workout meal consist of?" The answer to this question is much less complicated than the supplement companies want you to believe. All you need to do is eat a solid meal! This meal can be structured exactly like any of your daily meals. I do believe however, that this meal should be eaten within one hour after your workout.

Remember, your rate of fat loss will always be faster when you eat healthy, solid meals. So if you want to lose your excess body fat as fast as possible, ditch the post-workout shakes. Just eat a meal instead and get a lean body in no time.