You Know that you need it: the question is, what's the best way to get it?

Unlike plate-pushers of old, today's bodybuilder has an almost endless array of high-protein alternatives to choose from. There are RTE (ready-to-eat) snacks such as nutrition bars and bites; high-protein RTDs (ready-to-drinks), protein-loaded RTD shakes, powdered protein mixes, new protein fortifiers and, of course, good ol' protein-rich foods. While just about any of these will satisfy your body's requirement for essential amino acids and nitrogen, the simple fact that you're reading this tells us that you're looking to move beyond merely satisfying; you're looking to optimize growth and recovery. A screwdriver can act as a chisel, but no self-respecting carpenter would toss out his chisel collection and start using screwdrivers to save space in his toolbox! Nope, there's a right "tool" for every job. And by the time you're done reading this, you'll know which protein works best, and when. You've come to the right place. Now, put that screwdriver down and let's get started.RTE nutrition bars and bites


Advantages:

Arguably the most convenient of the bunch, high-protein bars and bites need no mixing, don't have to be refrigerated, and are highly portable. Protein bars are the epitome of quickness and often taste almost like candy; they're also available in just about any flavor you can imagine. Many protein bars will also contain a good vitamin and mineral profile.
Protein "bites" are also a very quick and convenient way to get a shot of protein , any time, any place. Protein bites are also great for portion control.
Disadvantages:
Unlike powdered protein supplements, protein fortifiers, and certain other protein sources, ounce for ounce, high-protein nutrition bars contain more carbohydrates, fat. and total calories. This is because binders (mostly sugared and sugar-free syrups) are needed to hold the proteins, vitamins, and minerals together. Over-consumption of high-protein bars made with sugar alcohols (used in sugar-free syrups) may lead to minor digestive discomfort in certain individuals.
The extra fat is from the chocolate, peanut, or yogurt flavored coating that covers the protein “core" of the bar or bite. In addition to providing shelf stability, these coatings contribute to the confection-like flavor of high-protein bars.
Bets time to Use: Because of their convenience and portability, bars and bites make perfect mini-meals or snacks when cooking and refrigeration just aren't possible. Use them for replenishment when out-and-about on long hikes, as fuel during bicycle rides, and to help maintain your nitrogen balance when you can't escape from your desk long enough to eat one of your 2-3 daily high-protein snacks. Many protein bars contain slowly digesting casein proteins and/or moderately digesting soy and egg proteins, so they can be used as preventative, anti-catabolic nutrition on your way to the gym or right before going to bed. Likewise, many nutrition bars also contain "time-released," low-glycemic carbs like glycerol, maltitol, or sorbitol that help to keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable and aid with protein utilization.
Protein RTDs Advantages:
1. Convenient - though not as much as protein bars or bites.
2. fast-acting liguid delivery form.
3. Do not reguire miximg or any other preparation.
Disadvantages:
1. For the best flavor, RTDs reguire refrigeration prior to       
consumption.
2. Though portable, pre-mixed bever¬ages are relatively heavy for their size, making transport more difficult.
3. Gram for gram, ready-to-drink protein beverages are more expensive than powdered protein mixes, protein fortifiers, protein-rich foods, and protein bars.
4. RTDs require the use of preservatives, low pH (acids), and/or heat to preserve freshness and protect against potentially dangerous microbial growth.
5. Because all protein RTDs use some type of pH control, flavors are limited to fruit-based options.

Best time to Use:
Ready-to-drink beverages take little time to digest, so they empty from the stomach very rapidly. This is highly advantageous immediately after workouts - when your muscles are most receptive to nutrients, and first thing in the morning
- when glycogen stores are low and muscle and liver nitrogen is likely to be in jeopardy. Ironically enough, the best "fast-acting" protein in the world — Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) - just happens to be among the most stable (un-denatured) in an acidic environment (like an acid drink base). As luck would also have it, the same places where you conduct your workouts are some of the best places to get RTD beverages. Look for drink products like Pure Pro RTD, or Extreme Body™ RTD 50 in the ABB™ cooler in the front of your gym.