does drinking protein really help?
after a workout should i be sore to know i had a good one?
yes; it’s more convenient than eating it
no, you will usually be sore the next day or two, but that is still not an indicator of workout quality. Adding reps, sets, or weight (more than last time) is the true indicator.
when you drink the protein after your workout it will get to your muscles faster. So post workout, drink a protein shake ASAP. Then make sure you eat some protein shortly after as well.
Being sore has nothing to do with it. As you lift more your body will adapt and you will not be as sore even though you are lifting more weight.
I’ve been sore in my chest after every bench press workout, yet I failed to make any real progress on it. In that case, I think the soreness was indicative of poor recovery. I wasn’t eating enough. 
Post workout drinks (of protein and various mixes) have been shown to increase recovery, so a protein shake after a workout is definitly beneficial. I don’t think it matters otherwise; eat real food instead if time and life permits.
thanks appreciate the advice.
[quote]Dpwrath wrote:
does drinking protein really help?
after a workout should i be sore to know i had a good one?[/quote]
Protein shakes are not necessary, but it is a convenient way to quickly get a good amount of protein into your body. You could easily make up those amounts through solid food, but its not quite as easy. Protein in and of itself though is entirely necessary as it one of the basic building blocks of muscle growth.
You do not need to be sore after a workout in order for it to have been a quality workout.