I am a retired registered nurse who, prior to retirement, worked as a geriatric case manager. Often, I would need to refer a client to a dietician due to lack of appetite and weight loss. The following are two recipes that were sometimes recommended as alternatives to Ensure or similiar dietary supplements.
Smoothie Recipe (developed by the Clinical dieticians at Parkwood Hospital)
3 cups (750 ml) whole milk (skim or 1% if calorie or fat management is required)
1 package (102 gm) vanilla instant pudding powder (4 serving size)
1/2 cup (125 ml) instant skim milk powder
2 x 40 gm packages (2/3 cup) Nestle Carnation Breakfast Anytime (any flavor)
Combine all ingredients in blender.
Blend at low speed for 1 minute.
Pour into small dishes or cups.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Homemade “Ensure”
1/4 to 1/2 cup yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 cup water or milk
+/- ice cream
frozen or fresh fruit
1 tbsp Bee pollen
1 tsp flax or hemp seed
Blend. May add whey protein or carob chip.