Should you eat protein before or after a workout?

Before and after! My trainer says a good soy protein shake before helps my body work out at an optimal level, after is good for rebuilding the muscle from the workout.

AnswerYes it is a good idea to consume protein before and after a workout but it should be known that the most crucial time, is after your workout. During the 3 hours after your workout is essentially your muscle making window of opportunity. This is when your muscles are basically starving for protein and makes the most use of them. I suggest a fast acting protein such as whey immediately after, like within 15 minutes! Typically, this is a protein powder that you mix with water or milk. Sometime after that, within the 3 hour window consume a good whole food meal containing at least 30 grams of protein and 50-80 grams of complex carbs such as white rice, pasta, baked potato, etc. The reason I suggest the use of a complex carbs at this time is not to make you fat, because it won't. Complex carbs will raise you insulin levels and shoot all those good nutrients through your bloodstream straight to repairing your muscles. It's also a good time to enjoy that plate of spaghetti or rice. If you are looking to gain weight then eating pasta, brown rice or a baked potatoe is a great suggestion however if your goal is to lose weight I suggest eating half of what you would for rice or pasta and replace it with broccoli and green beans.