You're supposed to take NO-Xplode, or any main stream pre-work-out NO drink, 30-45 min before workout, on an empty stomach (ie 1 hr after a shake or 2 hrs after a reg meal) but it's counter-intuitive to go to the gym on an empty stomach. Instead of waiting an hour after a protein shake, could you take your NO product, wait 20 minutes, then take your protein and then hit the gym 20 min after that? That way you'd have the benefits of the NO on an empty stomach with the allotted time before the gym, and you'd be able to have protein and carbs (i like waxy maize starch in my pre w/o shakes) to fuel your workout. This may be what most people do, idk but i haven't read it here yet...let me know if this works or not, thanks.