Hey there, two part question here.

I am lactose intollerant so I use lactaid milk which is a little high in sugars but no more than almond milk really. Almond milk isnt an option as the same type of intollerance found in lactose can also be found in most off the shelf almond milks. Even with this I still feel exrememly bloated after my shake which is usually closer to bed then I would like but thats my schedule. 

Is it more beneficial to make my shakes with milk or water? I read with milk the proteins will absorb slower which is good for around night time but they will absorb faster with water which is good for right after a workout. I don't know how true this is but I figured I'd ask as my biggest issue is feeling bloated and uncomfortable after my shake regardless of the time of day. 

Also, I am redoing my meal plan and Im coming up short on my calories which is no doubt in my mind the reason for lack of recent gains. I thought about trying to get these excess calories in a smoothie right after work with frozen fruite, protein, and some peanut butter. Does this go against that whole "Don't drink your calories" mentality or is this alright. My work schedule and where I work limits my eating and especially my drinking schedule so I try to cram as much as I can into around 7 hours after work which is hard for me since I really have a hard time putting down a lot of food at once and generally feel full pretty long. 

Thanks!

Hey Faist89,

1) Have you tried adding rice milk or cashew milk? Those are a great substitute to regular milk or almond. Shakes can also be made with juice, or you can do water with BCAAs if you want flavor. Lots of options here.

2) It's an excellent idea. Sounds like it's very convenient for you, and will fill in the missing calories. I'd strongly recommend liquid meals to reach your needs.

Hope this helps!

@faist89 There's a good response from Alex!

You could also try Coconut milk as another milk option, unless that has the same intollerance effect for you? As for using milk or water.. I don't think it matters that much man. Whatever is most convenient. If you need to use some kind of milk for extra calories, go for it. Otherwise just use water.

And the phrase 'don't drink your calories' is more about soda and alcohol and juices filled with sugar etc. Making your own smoothies (with whole foods) to drink is perfectly fine!

Thanks for the info guys. I tried switching to water for about a week and Im feeling much better. I rather lose the calories from the lactaid free milk vs feeling crappy and not being able to get an entire other meal down. It would have me feeling bloated and full for HOURS. I'm making up the calories by adding some instant oats to my shake.

@faist89 Yeah that's perfect man, no point forcing yourself to have something if it's going to mess with you and your digestive system haha. Easy enough to get the calories from elsewhere!