Ideally, our Health System is designed to work as a Foundation for Complete Nutrition, and the products should be taken separately from your smoothie. The many nutrients in both will compete for absorption and if not utilized will be wasted. Additionally, most people can only utilize 20 grams of protein every two hours. Boomer Boost and Gladiator Barley contain the building blocks of protein called amino acids. Taken with your smoothie, you will likely consume more than 20 grams of protein, creating the need for your liver to break down and eliminate the excess. Some people use our Health Systems as a meal replacement, and as a result, control their appetite and consume fewer calories throughout the day.