It is a not so well known secret that caregivers are some of the most inventive people on earth. They will try a dozen different ways to tempt their low appetite loved one. They can take a bottle of nutritional supplement or a cup of whole milk and construct the most amazing and tempting shake or smoothies. The nutrients usually found in a whole meal is packed into a single glass. Their person will happily consume it – with no idea of the amazing nutrition behind the deliciousness.
I’m being only a little dramatic here –.
When food consumption is limited . . .
due to swallowing issues, lack of appetite, need to increase of calorie intake or another reason, those shakes packed with nutrition and satisfying flavors are literally life savers. Taste can be amped to tempt the most difficult appetite. Nutritional value can be increased in a variety ways to pack as much into a single glass as possible. Let’s analyze a fall favorite for examples of how a basic shake or smoothie can provide high nutrition in a way that is tasty and tempting.
How to Build the Ultimate Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Choose main ingredient for nutritional value and flavor
Pumpkin is often associated with desserts, but its mild sweetness and creamy texture make it a perfect addition to shakes. When blended, pumpkin puree creates a thick, velvety base that pairs beautifully with classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Spices make the blend more appealing while pumpkin brings a wealth of nutritional benefits to your glass.
Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show. Go for unsweetened, pure pumpkin puree—either fresh or canned. Fresh pumpkin offers a subtle, earthy flavor, while canned is convenient and consistent.
- Vitamin A One of the standout features of pumpkin puree is its impressive vitamin A content. Just half a cup delivers more than 100% of your daily recommended intake, thanks to its high levels of beta-carotene. This antioxidant not only gives pumpkin its vibrant orange color but also supports healthy vision and a strong immune system.
- Beta-Carotene : Converts to vitamin A in the body, crucial for eye health and immune function.
- Antioxidants: Help combat oxidative stress, supporting overall wellness during cold and flu season.
- Rich in Fiber: Pumpkin puree contains about 3 grams of fiber per half-cup, helping you feel full and satisfied.
- Low in Calories: With only 40 calories per half-cup, pumpkin is a nutrient-dense way to add volume to your shake without extra calories.
- Natural Sweetness: Its subtle sweetness means you can use less added sugar or sweetener.
Add a liquid
- Whole Milk: A favorite for shakes.
- Other milk alternatives (like almond, oat or soy) work too and bring their own unique flavor and creaminess.
- Use a nutritional supplement instead of whole milk for more vitamins and minerals. Some nutritional supplements also provide extra protein or extra calories for those who need them. Powdered instant breakfast mix can also be added for additional nutrients.
Flavor Pairings: Pumpkin Puree and Fall Spices
Pumpkin’s mild flavor is the perfect canvas for classic autumn spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract all enhance the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree, creating a shake that tastes like dessert but delivers real nutritional benefits. For extra creaminess, blend in a banana or use almond milk. Taste is important to someone with a poor appetite.
Add-Ins: Flavor and Function
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings out the natural sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice: The essential blend—usually cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust to taste.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Freshly ground spices can elevate both flavor and potential health benefits.
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Frozen banana can make your shake extra thick and frosty.
- Protein Powder: Choose organic whey for muscle growth, or opt for a plant-based protein powder if you’re vegan or dairy-free. The right protein powder can turn your shake into a true meal replacement.
- Wild Cards: Try a scoop of cottage cheese for extra creaminess and protein, a handful of frozen mango for a tropical twist. This is food science in action.
Sweetener Swaps: Make It Your Own
- Raw Honey: Adds floral sweetness and a touch of antioxidants.
- Maple Syrup: For a classic autumn vibe and rich flavor.
- Medjool Date: Toss in a pitted date for natural sweetness and extra fiber.
Texture Tweaks: Ice, Banana, and Pumpkin Choices
- Ice: For a frosty, milkshake-like texture, add a handful of ice cubes. Blend on “crush” or “ice” mode for best results.
- Banana: Use frozen banana for extra creaminess and chill, or fresh banana for a lighter texture.
- Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin: Fresh pumpkin can be roasted and pureed for a more subtle, earthy flavor. Canned pumpkin is convenient and consistent—perfect for busy caregivers.
From my experience, finding recipes to make smoothies and shakes palatable and in a variety of flavors was the most difficult. Wheels was diagnosed with dysphagia caused by the PPA/FTD and on a pureed diet. Daily smoothies were crucial to maintaining good nutrition.
The recipes we provide are the result of considerable time on line finding websites that provided information needed AND were backed by research. Our purpose here is to save you that on-line search time.
Please have specific recipes approved by the professional recommending shakes and smoothies on a regular basis to make sure the recipes fit YOUR loved one’s situation.
————— written by Charlene Vance —————