💪 Is the “protein window” real?

Happy Sunday! It’s September 17 — people are talking about the UAW strike, the “protein window” for workout recovery, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly.

🚙 In the news: The United Auto Workers strike

After talks between the United Auto Workers union (UAW) and US automakers failed, workers went on strike. Who's in the right, and who has the upper hand?

🚙 AP News: 13k auto workers are striking at plants owned by GM, Ford, and Stellantis. They want better benefits and pay — and Biden voiced his support.

🚙 The WSJ says the strike comes at a time when most automakers have a surplus of cars. As long as the strike ends soon, manufacturers can ride it out.

🚙 But the NYT says workers have the upper hand and won't back down. Manufacturers don't have that many cars on hand, and strikers have public opinion on their side.

🚙 On the other hand, Bloomberg added that the strike could push automaker jobs elsewhere — probably into red states with stronger anti-union laws.

🚙 Regardless, a different Bloomberg opinion says it puts Biden in a tough spot: Choosing whether to support unions or electric vehicle production.

💪 Cultural trend: Is the “protein window” real?

The protein window (or anabolic window) is the period immediately after a workout where consuming protein is optimal for recovery. But is it a myth?

💪 Men's Health says there is a protein window, but it’s not 30 minutes long, as many gymgoers believe. It’s actually 4-6 hours long.

💪 Georgia State College of Nursing agrees: Nutrient timing is backed by science, but the "30-min window” is a myth. It's more like 5-6 hours.

💪 Healthline says the need for protein makes sense because working out breaks down muscle, and your body needs nutrients to replenish. There are many other factors that affect recovery — the "window" length is insignificant.

💪 Gravity Fitness points out an exception: If you fasted before you worked out, the window is crucial. Otherwise, immediate consumption isn't important.

Quick hits

🍷 After two tanks burst at a distillery in Portugal, red wine flooded the streets of a small town. No one was hurt. (NPR)

🌪️ The tropical storm Lee has been downgraded from a category 1 hurricane to a post-tropical cyclone. (CNN)

🏀 The 2023 WNBA season was the most-watched in 21 years, and had the most social media engagement ever. (AP News)

🇷🇺 The UK Ministry of Defense believes that Russia is increasing its missile capacity to hit Ukrainian infrastructure this winter. (Business Insider)

That’s it for today. Reply at [email protected] to let me know what you think of our newsletter, or to suggest a topic for next time.

Here at Shades we’re trying something new – quick summaries from different points of view. We think it’s a better way to stay informed and see the big picture. Please reach out if you’re curious to learn more!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)