kronik

I'm a new user and particularly new to the idea of actually watching what I eat.

Every morning, I generally have a smoothie.. :

3-4 large strawberries
1/2 banana
handful of blueberries
1/2 cup of yogurt
half scoop of vanilla whey protein
1 tsp. of Splenda

I'm looking for recipes for something that is filling as well as beneficial for morning/afternoon rides. I regularly see that people drink protein shakes/etc. for recovery to rebuild glycogen reserves. Is there some sort of detriment to drinking a smoothie with added protein for breakfast? I've literally started this within the last 3 weeks, hoping lose weight as well as become fit enough to participate in some minor racing and such. My other concern is that it will contribute to gain as opposed to loss. I'd like something that I can make all the time, whether riding or not, though it will benefit me when I am. I know that's .. probably asking a lot.

A secondary question - it's been raining damned near non-stop here for the last week and a half, or looking like it was going to so I didn't want to ride. As such, I bought a used (old as heck) Cycleops Fluid trainer. When using it, I go for about 50 minutes in my hardest gear. Is this a reasonable way to use a trainer? I plan on perhaps increasing my ride length for 10 minutes each week. I know nothing about the anaerobic/aerobic aspect of training yet. Currently, I'm just trying to get from point A to B without feeling like the Reaper is at my heels. Maybe next year, I'll go with some Inside Ride E-Motion rollers but for now, the trainer will do.

arexjay

I've found that adding protein to breakfast (or any other meal) helps me stay full for longer. Given this, I'd say it would help with weight loss.

For the trainer, I'd maybe mix it up with some intervals (2x20", 5x3", 15/15, etc.). What you're doing now could either be what most people consider "tempo" or "sweet spot training" or "threshold." Hard to tell with the info you've given us. Either way, all are good exercises. Slowly ramp up the time and intensity as you get better. If you're really getting serious about training and racing, I'd recommend getting a copy of Friel's The Cyclist's Training Bible. Super helpful.

Garfield Cat

For me I have two types of morning rides: before work and weekends. Before work, I drink a little water before the ride. Weekends, I make a smoothie mostly with antioxidants alike Acai puree from Sambazon, blueberries, Pomegranate juice, banana, orange, romaine lettuce. And occasionally dates or as a substitute, grade B maple syrup.

jabbahop

my smoothy is pretty basic.

Whey protein
frozen raspberries
milk
Greek yougurt
a few ice cubes

a few seconds with the braun hand blender and you have a nice smoothie

Zephyr11

My smoothies vary. They're usually some combination of (give or take a few ingredients):
whey protein isolate
milk
plain yogurt
fruit (frozen or fresh)
ice cubes
sometimes rolled oats
sometimes peanut butter
sometimes flaxseed
sometimes cereal, like FiberOne or Total
Put it all in a blender and mix it up. The rolled oats can be prepared or not beforehand...works either way.

rumrunn6

Can't beat eggs and a bagel for breakfast before a strenuous workout.

Lamp-Shade

If smoothies are your thing, that sounds like a good smoothie.

kronik

Anyone add products like All One to their smoothies? If so, which would you recommend? I was thinking the Weight Loss formula in Unflavored.

MikeRidesABike

Try to get some protein in every meal. I have an 18 mile commute and have a scoop of protein pwder before my ride and make this smoothie as soon as I'm out of the shower at work..

Mike's Morning Smoothie

8 oz Kefir ( my wife makes this from raw milk-its like yogurt but better )
2frozen banannas
5 or 6 pcs frozen pineapples
1 frozen kiwi
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 handfull quick oats
scoop of chia seeds
2 scoops Vanilla Designer Whey and 8 oz water
sometimes cranberries and other fruit

This is tasty and filling. The rest of the morning I load up with other fruit. Even on weekends I have a smoothie and adjust amount based on my activity/appetite.

Jarery

For smoothies, I stopped adding anything dairy. If you need your smoothie more creamy try avocado, or bananas. Freezing the bananas helps. I buy a weeks worth, peel and bag em and toss in the freezer.

I use an assortment of fruit (strawberries, banana, kiwi, berries, mango, papaya, apples, pears) and then add equal or more of an assortment of veggies (cucumber, kale, collard greens, spinach, dandelion, romaine, chard, celery). I just pick 2-3 of fruit, and 2-3 of veggie and put in blender. Start with 60/40 fruit/veg and over time try to get to 60% of veggie.

For protein, i used whey, i tried peanut butter, they all sucked. Now i use hemp seeds. Google it, you'll find its amazing as a protein source, and its a great conversation starter! (powered by pot seeds !) Tasteless in my smoothie, and keeps me fuller longer than the others.

For your smoothie, id remove the dairy and the splenda, add greens, and replace the whey with hemp.

There are all kinds of websites talking about green smoothies. Give em a look and see what you can do to improve yours.

jehan60188

I used to use yogurt, now a days i like peanut butter and silken tofu

also, if you're trying to feel fuller longer, try throwing in a fistful of granola before blending everything together