Smootie for breakfast or dinner?

jimb107

Obviously, long-term weight loss success comes with changing eating habits, and maintaining those changes. One change that has been successful in the past with my wife and me is to replace a meal with a nutritious smoothie.

Typically, you hear of people having a smoothie for breakfast, but we're leaning to occasionally replacing our evening meal (dinner) with smoothies. Breakfast is easily managed with food we bring to work, and lunch, unfortunately, must be a "smart" meal eaten out, since our office does not have much in the way of food preparation or eating facilities.

So, a smoothie after work as our evening meal seems to be the ticket.

Generally speaking is there any rule of thumb or suggestion as to WHEN you should have a smoothie? Any reason to have one at breakfast as opposed to dinner?

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Treece68

@jimb107 you can have a smoothie any time you want there are no rules as long as it fits within your calorie goal for the day.

Enjcg5

I love smoothies for breakfast on the go. Just remember to shoot for protein (i do greek yogurt) a fat (i do flax or chia seeds) and carbs (i do a variety of fruits but not to exceed a cup!)

jenilla1

I do protein shakes a few times a week when I've done intense training and/or I'm a little short on protein. I've even had one as a snack before bedtime. I've never had one as a dinner replacement. But I don't see any reason why it would matter what time of day you had it. Go ahead and have your smoothie, but make sure it's nutritious and filling!

Ready2Rock206

I want "real" food in the evening so a smoothie wouldn't work for me for dinner. But you do you. The nice thing about MFP is there are no crazy rules that dictate things like when a smoothie needs to be consumed. As long as you enjoy it and it fits your goals then drink it whenever you want it!

hiyomi

I've made smoothies before and they are very filling for some reason..I'm not sure I would replace them as dinner, just because I like actual food, but breakfast I probably wouldn't mind. Especially on hot Texas days..

mframkovar

I think using smoothies to replace any meal is perfectly acceptable. Whatever works for you. Find a good quality protein shake with no sugar and at least 20 grams of protein and add fruit and veggies and you have a great meal replacement! I love adding kale, spinach, mango and pineapple!

lemurcat12

I don't think smoothies are any more nutritious than a good meal you eat (of course, smoothies also are more or less nutritious). The time of day you eat them doesn't matter unless it affects you. I eat dinner late and tend to be less likely to get hungry afterwards than any other meal, so I can skimp on dinner easily if necessary (I love it the most, though, so rarely do, but save calories). But I have had smoothies occasionally, because I wasn't that hungry or felt lazy and it was hot or it was too late for a real meal or even I was just craving one. No harm in it. If it fits your lifestyle, go for it.