I ALWAYS take whey protein after training. Whey protein is quickly digested so it works really well to provide building blocks to the muscle asap after training. What I mix it with depends on my goals (weight gain, recovery, cutting weight, etc). I use creatine if I'm wanting to gain weight/build muscle...the stuff works, it always amazes me how much difference it makes. If I'm cutting weight or need to stay at the same weight I avoid it, I usually gain around 10 lbs the first two weeks of taking it but a lot of that is water. A slow digesting protein right before bed is good to avoid muscle be catabolized over night.
If I'm not having to cut/maintain weight, the only time I'm picky about what I eat is right after training. I make sure I eat/drink for recovery. The rest of the time I eat everything I can get my hands on.
