Skeletal muscle protein is constantly being synthesized and broken down, with a turnover rate of about 1-2% per day. This muscle plasticity allows the muscle to remodel to support our exercise goals. The rate of skeletal muscle protein synthesis is regulated by two main metabolic stimuli, protein intake and exercise. Protein ingestion directly elevates muscle protein synthesis rates. The dietary protein derived essential amino acids act as signaling molecules activating anabolic pathways and function as precursors for muscle protein synthesis. When protein is ingested during recovery from exercise, muscle protein synthesis rates are further elevated. This improves the skeletal muscle adaptive response to exercise and, as such, allows more efficient muscle conditioning. New insights with regards to the impact of the quality, amount, and timing of protein ingestion during recovery from exercise will be discussed. Furthermore, the anabolic properties of more sustainable protein sources and the impact of protein processing will be touched upon.