How to More Protein
When is the best time to take protein? How much protein do you need each day to reach your goal? Which protein myths do we absolutely need to talk about? ⌠We have the answers to all your burning questions! đ
Right here in our comprehensive How To Guide, youâll find everything you need to know â including helpful doâs & donâts and inspiring recipes. Bring some light into the protein confusion now! đĄđŻââď¸
Inhalt
1. How to take
On the timing of intake
When it comes to taking protein powders, many people wonder how crucial the right timing and the appropriate amount are for achieving maximum results. Hereâs what you need to know.
1.1 On the timing of intake
First things first: there is no single perfect time to consume protein. Protein has different beneficial effects at different times of the day. Here are a few guidelines on what protein can do for you.
- In the morning after waking up:Â After a nightâs sleep, your protein stores are depleted. Starting the day with a protein-rich meal helps replenish these reserves and is therefore especially beneficial.
- Directly after training:Â A serving of protein powder within 30 minutes after trainingcan help support muscle recovery and muscle growth.[1,2] However, the existence of the so-called anabolic window is debated.
Between meals:Â Using protein as a snack can help you meet your daily protein needs. Itâs also advisable to spread your protein intake throughout the day rather than consuming very large amounts once or twice. This allows the body to absorb and utilize protein more effectively.
Before going to bed: A protein shake before bedtime can promote overnight muscle building and reduce muscle breakdown during sleep.[1,2]
1.2 On the anabolic window
The so-called âanabolic windowâ is a concept from strength training and sports nutrition that refers to the period after a workout during which the body is believed to be particularly receptive to nutrient intake.
It is assumed that the anabolic window opens around 30 to 45 minutes after training. During this time, the intake of protein and carbohydrates is thought to be especially effective at stimulating protein synthesis, replenishing glycogen stores, and minimizing muscle breakdown.
The optimal nutrient composition within the anabolic window is often discussed in terms of a protein-to-carbohydrate ratio. It is generally recommended to consume an adequate amount of high-quality proteinâaround 20 to 30 gramsâalong with an appropriate amount of carbohydrates.
However, there are differing views in the scientific literature regarding the importance of the anabolic window and its exact duration. Some studies suggest that the timing of nutrient intake after training may be less critical than the total amount of nutrients consumed throughout the day.
1.3 On the recommended amount
Are you wondering how much protein powder per day is the right amount for you? Hereâs your answer.
- Guideline: The optimal amount of protein depends on your body weight, activity level, and goals. As a rule of thumb, 20â30 grams of protein per serving are suitable to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Around 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is considered a guideline for daily protein intake.
- Protein calculator: Want to be even more precise? With the More calorie calculator, you can not only determine your calorie needs based on your exact height, weight, and activity level, but also your exact protein requirement in grams (đ Fill in all questions, go to 'calculate now' and youâll find âYour macro distributionâ).
- Advide:Â Using devices that measure fat-free mass and muscle mass, your individual protein needs can be determined even more precisely. These assessments are available in many gyms as well as from nutritionists or fitness professionals.
- Never forget: Protein powders are a supplement to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Itâs important to also include other protein-rich foods in your diet to ensure a diverse intake of nutrients.
2. How to prepare
Everything about preparation
Whether in a simple protein shake, a smoothie, bowls, for cooking, or in refined baking recipes â with More Protein you can easily and enjoyably meet your daily protein needs. What you should generally keep in mind when using protein powders is clearly summarized in our doâs & donâts.
2.1 How to shake
Cheat-Sheet for Smoothies
Want more from your protein drink? Turn your protein shake into a gourmet smoothie with just a few simple steps! With the following guide, itâs super easy.
2.2 How to bowl
Cheat-Sheet for Bowls
Do you prefer eating your protein instead of drinking it? With this simple guide to protein bowls, itâs easy to enrich your meals with more protein. Try out different combinations to create a variety of high-protein bowls every time.
2.3 How to bake
Recipes with More Protein
You donât just use More Protein to mix creamy protein shakes and delicious protein bowls â you can also use them for baking pralines, brownies, muffins, and much more, making your favorite recipes healthier. Discover many of our favorite recipes here!
Recipes for sweet treats
2.4 How to cook
Savory dishes with More Protein
Do you also want to easily increase your proteins in savory meals â and possibly even make them vegetarian? At More, we do more than just sweet: we offer three protein powders specifically developed for savory protein meal creations â More Protein Cream, More Protein Neutral, and More Protein Coconut Milk. 𼼠Try them in soups, sauces, stews, and more! Scroll down to find detailed instructions for using savory More Proteins. âŹď¸
Important: Never add protein powder directly while cooking. Instead, turn off the heat, remove the dish from the stove, let it cool briefly, and then stir the protein powder into the warm food.
Mini recipes: Savory summer hacks
You donât need to cook elaborate meals to increase your protein intake. Here are a few super easy and quick ideas. Try them out right away!
2.5 Preparation do's & don'ts
Do's
- Use an appropriate amount of protein powder according to your individual needs and training goals.
- Make sure to mix the protein powder thoroughly into your shake or meal to avoid clumping.
- Experiment with different flavors and textures to add variety to your meals.
Use neutral-flavored protein powder to enhance curries, stews, and sauces, turning them into protein-rich and flavorful dishes.
Don'ts
Do not let the protein powder sit in liquid for too long, as this can alter the texture.
Do not overheat the protein powder, as this may lead to protein denaturation.
Protein denaturation
There is one aspect to consider when preparing protein powder:Â protein denaturation. Denaturation is a process in which the structure of proteins changes, usually due to heat, acidity, or mechanical stress. As a result, the powder may curdle or develop an altered texture. Solubility and mixability can also be affected, which may make it harder to achieve a smooth shake or an even distribution of the powder in meals.
Contrary to what many people assume, this type of denaturation does not negatively affect the bodyâs ability to utilize the protein. Just as cooking a chicken eggâwhere the protein also denaturesâdoes not reduce its value as a protein source. However, to minimize denaturation of protein powders for reasons of texture and enjoyment, it is advisable to use gentle preparation methods and avoid excessive heat.
3. How to meet your need
3.1 Your protein needs: Why protein and how much?
Proteins are real muscle fuel [1],[2] â and there are several good reasons to preserve muscle mass even while dieting. After all, more muscle mass burns more calories. In addition, muscles contribute to a toned, athletic look and support an active lifestyle. We recommend consuming 2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to adequately support your muscles.
- Protein calculator: Want to be even more precise? With the More calorie calculator, you can not only determine your calorie needs based on your exact height, weight, and activity level, but also your exact protein requirement in grams (đ Fill in all questions, go to 'calculate now' and youâll find âYour macro distributionâ).
3.2 Protein-Tips: How to reach your protein goal
More tips:
- Protein-rich breakfast:Â Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast, such as scrambled eggs with spinach or a protein porridge, to kick off your protein intake first thing in the morning.
- Meal prep: Prepare your meals in advance and make sure each meal contains 30â40 g of protein.
Incorporate protein into your recipes:Â Add protein powder to your favorite recipesâsuch as pancakes, muffins, or even pasta sauces and curriesâto increase the protein content.
Protein-rich drinks: Choose protein-rich beverages like our More Clear Protein Limo instead of regular soft drinks.
Choose high-protein options:Â Opt for protein-rich foods such as Greek yogurt, lentil pasta, or protein bread.
Protein-packed salad toppings:Â Enhance salads with protein-rich toppings like chicken strips, eggs, or edamame to boost the protein content.
4. How to store
Everything about storage
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and effectiveness of your protein powders. It also ensures that you can enjoy your protein powders for a long time. Here are some doâs & donâts you should keep in mind.
4.1 Do's
- Store your protein powders in an airtight container to prevent moisture and oxidation.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep them away from strong odors to prevent flavor transfer.
Close the containers carefully after each use to avoid clumping or contamination.
Check the expiration date regularly and dispose of expired protein powder.
4.2 Don'ts
Do not store your protein powders in the refrigerator, as moisture can cause the powder to clump.
Do not use wet spoons or damp hands to scoop the powder, as this can lead to clumping.
Do not mix expired protein powder with fresh powder to avoid compromising its effectiveness.
By following these doâs & donâts, you can ensure that your protein powder stays fresh, effective, and enjoyable.
5. Protein-Myths: we set the record straight
Myth 1: âThe body canât absorb more than 30 g anyway.â
Verdict: False (this confuses âabsorptionâ with âmuscle-building benefitâ)
Short explanation: There is no fixed 30 g absorption limit. Larger portions are digested and utilized; for the muscle response, the dose per meal and the total daily intake are more decisiveâalong with training. (BioMed Central)
Detailed explanation:
- Absorption: In nutrition science, âabsorptionâ means the transfer of nutrients from the intestines into the bloodstreamâand with a healthy digestive system, this is not limited to 30 g. A review paper makes it clear that the amount that can be absorbed is practically unlimited; protein beyond immediate muscle building can be used for other tissues, oxidized for energy, or converted into urea, among other pathways (BioMed Central)
- Muscle protein synthesis (MPS): For the acute stimulus of MPS, a single serving in young adults often reaches a plateau at around ~20â25 g of high-quality protein. More can still be beneficialâfor example after full-body training, where 40 g of whey triggered a higher MPS response than 20 g. (BioMed Central)
- Beyond MPS: In mixed meals (protein + carbohydrates/fat), a higher protein dose (e.g., 70 g) can further improve whole-body net protein balanceâmeaning it helps the body âspareâ more proteinâeven if MPS is already near its plateau. (Physiology Journals)
- Practical guideline (for muscle rain/maintenance): A commonly used evidence-based rule of thumb is about ~0.4 g protein per kg of body weight per meal (spread across at least 4 meals â 1.6 g/kg/day; upper range up to ~0.55 g/kg/meal). This is not a âlimit,â but a guideline for optimizing MPSânot for absorption. (BioMed Central)
Myth 2: âYou donât need protein if you donât exercise.â
Verdict: False.
Short explanation:Â Even without training, you need protein to maintain and repair body tissues â exercise increases the requirement, but it doesnât create it in the first place. (DGE)
Detailed explanation:
- A basic requirement always exists. Official reference values recommend about ~0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight per day for adultsâregardless of whether you train or not. From the age of 65+, the DGE recommends around ~1.0 g/kg/day (and in professional circles, 1.0â1.2 g/kg is often discussed for older adults). (DGE)
- Functions beyond muscle: Protein provides amino acids for cells, tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodiesâprocesses that take place every day, even when youâre sitting still. (DGE)
- Approved EU health claims: Within the EU, statements such as âprotein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle massâ and â⌠contributes to the maintenance of normal bonesâ are officially authorized. This highlights the relevance of protein beyond sports marketing. (EUR-Lex)
Myth 3: âYou have to combine plant-based proteins at every meal, otherwise essential amino acids are missing.â
Verdict: False.
Short explanation: You donât need to âcomplementâ plant-based proteins at every single meal. Variety throughout the day is sufficient, and with adequate intake, plant-based protein can support muscle building and maintenance just as effectively.(andeal.org)
Detailed explanation:
- Plant protein provides all EAAs. The current position paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics clearly states that plant-based proteins contain all essential amino acids. While some sources may be lower in certain EAAs, meeting requirements is easily achievable across the day with a varied diet. Therefore, combining proteins within every single meal is not necessary. (andeal.org)
- Performance and muscle growth are possible. In a 12-week randomized controlled trial with resistance training, vegans and omnivores gained the same amount of muscle mass and strength when protein intake was matched (~1.6 g/kg/day). The protein source (plant-based with soy isolate vs. mixed with whey) made no difference. (SpringerLink)
- At the acute MPS level. A controlled study showed that 30 g of pea protein increased muscle protein synthesis to the same extent as 30 g of milk protein (despite lower EAA peaks in the blood). This highlights that dose and total daily intake matter more than âanimal vs. plant.â (SpringerLink)
6. More Protein Benefits
Discover more More-Favourites
[1] Proteins contribute to the maintenance of muscle mass.
[2] Proteins contribute to an increase in muscle mass.

