Hello, I was hoping to see if you all had any suggestions for drinks or whatever else to give someone that isn’t meeting their nutritional needs. He sometimes just doesn’t feel like eating but I’d still like him to be getting all that he should be. Are there any of those drinks that any of you recommend? He also has to be on honey thick liquid. He’s not a big chocolate guy but he loves vanilla ice cream. Just seeing what suggestions you all have!
Thanks!
Common brands are Chobani, Activia, and there's one marketed for kids called Danimals.
Premier Protein is much better choice, and also comes in several flavors: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pure+protein+shakes&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
..................... Ensure................... Premier Protein
Protein........ 9 grams ..........vs ..... 30 grams
Calories....... 220..................vs........... 160
Sugar..........15-20 grams.....vs.....1 gram
If he needs more calories, give him a couple a day. More calories with more sugar and less protein, doesn't seem like a good way to go.
Also, you can get Pure protein bars. They also come in several flavors:
https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Protein-Healthy-Support-Chocolate/dp/B00GJ82VK4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=OTXPRWW8RIRZ&keywords=pure+protein+bars&qid=1673213016&sprefix=pure+protein+bars%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-5
200 calories, 20 grams of protein and 2 grams of sugar.
I'm always going to vote for more protein (especially as we age), and LESS sugar.
No, I don't sell either product...just a big fan.
I use water flavored enchantments to my mom's water one 1/2 cup at a time. Find out what are his favorite flavors.
Mom because of her osteoporosis has lost a good number of her teeth and find if I add some broth to soften here meals and they seem to be more satisfying to her and she'll eat most or all of her meal.
the gastroenterologist suggested smoothies
I made scrambled omlets with a combinations of the “imperfect” veggies I had delivered online.
he ate his eggs.
Later the hospital served ensure enlive to my husband when he was not eating well
My aged FIL was losing weight unintentionally, and thank goodness we struck gold by buying various malted milk powders to put into his milk or shakes. The flavor reminded him of his youth in a good way. Malted Milk powder or granules are delicious and provide some good nutrition. I can recommend Nestle Carnation Malted Milk powder which is available at virtually all supermarkets, and even more nutritious but harder to find is Horlick’s powder which we buy in our local grocery’s “international food” section. The Horlick’s only mixes well in hot liquid. We all like to flavor our morning oatmeal with Horlick’s.
Perhaps you can plump up nutrition and calorie count via malted milk powder, and adding banana, or strawberry, or peach, or other fruit your elderly one may like.
Good luck!
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Fun tidbit re Horlick’s in WWII:
https://mamabox.sg/blogs/news/did-you-know-horlicks-malties-played-an-important-role-in-world-war-ii
Some below I put in my own and other items (whey) I don't.
Find the combination of what he likes, i.e., cocoa (?), instand coffee (flavor?)
My main protein: yogurt
ginger root (very small piece)
garlic clove (small or 1/2 of one)
Juice (natural - no sugar)
* You can also make ice cubes with the juice
* Whey powder (I don't use; too gassy)
* Protein powder (I don't use; don't feel I need it although is full of vitamins.)
* Green powder (go to health food store and ask)
Cinnamon is very healthy (a teaspoon or less)
Banana - I cut up and freeze them. I use about 4-5 pieces
Fish oil (I use a liquid tablet and open it and toss in)
Fruit - whatever he likes; I like frozen strawberries / blueberries from Costco
Prunes (2)
Almonds or nut butter / nuts (high in fat)
If he needs more calories, consider milk if he can digest it (whole milk) - or as others say, ice cream.
You can also add lettuce or a little vegetable(s) pieces, i.e, carrot.
If you use a bullet, all the frozen foods need to go in first - although I first put in 2 prunes, garlic and ginger root so the frozen items won't stick to the bottom. Don't forget the juice ! Bullets are incredible. They will grind up just about anything, including almonds, carrots, etc, an entire watermelon (cut it up first !)
Gena / Touch Matters
Since he likes vanilla ice cream, you can add whatever you want to that your father still likes the taste of. Your homemade milkshake concoctions will be much better than commercial supplement drinks, but don't skip the protein. He needs that in addition to the ice cream.
https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/high-calorie-soups/
Shop:: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/storefront/
I did a search and found the above; I didn't know there was a career called, "Geriatric Dietician."
Maybe you can get him sugar free (using Stevia) vanilla milkshakes for dessert.
Does he like plain yogurt?
Homemade is the best method using a processor.