Is it ok to exchange breakfast "food" for a smoothie?

[mbcrump]

Some quick background info, I weight around 175lbs, 6'2 and I am a runner. I want to remain lean but would like to add some muscle (which I'm currently doing thanks to the bodybuilding forum here).

I have a hard time consuming actual breakfast food because I have to be at work so early in the morning. I've tried oats/grits/cereal bars, but nothing satisfies me like a smoothie in the morning. I know that I have to eat breakfast to remain in my current shape so this is what I include in my smoothie:

1/2 cup of yogurt
1 banana
1 cup of 1% milk
1 tablespoon of peanut butter
6 ice cubes
20G of whey protein powder
and the occasional flax seed oil

My question is this, Is it ok for me to drink this smoothie instead of eating actual food or do I need to tuff it out and eat actual food in the morning? I eat around 5 times a day and the rest of my meals are pretty good with no refined sugars. Thanks for your time.

 

[Lifterforlife]

I normally recommend to clients a "liquid meal" in the morning if they are rushed and have to be at work or train very early. Gastric emptying will occur faster for one.

Your choice is not a bad one either, as natural cortisol rythyms are low at night and high in the morning. If bulking, with the banana for instance can be ideal for this along with the protein.

What you propose is better than no nourishment at all, and should be fine. I would consume your next regularly scheduled meal though. Sounds like you have a decent handle on diet.

 

[mbcrump]

Hey lifterforlife, I appreciate your help. You are one of the more knowledgeable people on these forums. I was under the impression the smoothie wouldn't be a bad alternative. Right now I'm working on my ABS and trying to build more muscle (while staying lean). Heres a pic of me at the middle of Jan 06
http://webpages.charter.net/mbcrump/weight_loss/jan06.jpg
Heres a pic of me in June 05 before I got into exercise/eating right. http://webpages.charter.net/mbcrump/weight_loss/

 

[Lifterforlife]

Hey lifterforlife, I appreciate your help. You are one of the more knowledgeable people on these forums. I was under the impression the smoothie wouldn't be a bad alternative. Right now I'm working on my ABS and trying to build more muscle (while staying lean). Heres a pic of me at the middle of Jan 06
http://webpages.charter.net/mbcrump/weight_loss/jan06.jpg
Heres a pic of me in June 05 before I got into exercise/eating right. http://webpages.charter.net/mbcrump/weight_loss/

Nice progress man. Good job staying with things. If the drink you propose fits into your calorie needs, by all means use it.

Staying lean and gaining muscle is difficult. The diets that are required to do both make it a bit unrealistic. (surplus or deficit) But, you may proceed with a plan like 8 weeks bulk, then 2-3 weeks or however long needed for "hardening".

The better foods you eat on your bulk, the easier your second phase will be. Note that the longer your bulk goes, the longer your second phase will be also.

So you will have to please yourself. Monitor things closely, when you don't like what you see anymore, then make the change.

ONe note....if you were inherently "big", you may find your bulk to be tough, as you will have more propensity to store fat than a naturally lean guy. This makes it tougher, and much more crucial to be very meticulous with your diet.