How soon do you take if after your workout? I've been told, and this is just by a friend who works out a lot, that taking protein -immediately- after your workout is not ideal. He said waiting 35 or so minutes is better. Something about your body burning calories a bit more and being more accepting to the protein after it has adjusted to a post-workout/rebuilding phase. It made sense the way he said it and I may not be translating it right to you guys, but that's the basic gist of it I think.
Your friend is a dangerous brotard and you should probably distance yourself from him. There's actually some evidence that consuming WPC soon before your workout has a greater effect on protein synthesis than consuming it afterward. Protein takes a while to digest regardless of when you eat it. The most important thing (by far) is to get enough protein and calories throughout the day. Getting some protein soon before (small amount), during and/or soon after your workout is definitely a good idea but your muscles will not fall off if you miss that crucial 35-45 minute post-workout window.
That said, joejoe's point is good, that if setting a schedule for yourself helps ensure that you get what you need, by all means, stick to a schedule.
