Any caregiver knows that a major conundrum they face when caring for someone with Huntington's Disease or Juvenile Huntington's Disease is finding ways to gain or maintain body weight, especially if chorea is involved, or the patient has swallowing issues.
The Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology recently published a few tips in the form of some recipe ideas to add calories to meals that are tasty and easy. They also added a recipe builder to create your own shakes and smoothies that are sure to delight and keep things interesting.
The Basic (500 calories, 16 grams protein) 1 bottle Ensure/Boost Plus ½ c. premium ice cream
Nutter Butter Shake (500 calories, 23 grams protein) ½ c. milk of choice ¼ block silken tofu 1 banana 2Tbsp peanut butter ¼ c. uncooked oats
Mango-cado Smoothie (350 calories, 13 grams protein) ½ Avocado 2 Tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp ginger 1 c. mango 1 tsp honey or maple syrup 1 c. ice 1 Tbsp chia seeds 2 Tbsp protein powder
Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie (400-680 calories, 9-18 g protein) 2 whole bananas (frozen) 1 Tbsp peanut butter 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa 1/2 c. milk or chocolate Ensure/Boost Plus 1 tsp cinnamon
Peach Ginger Turmeric Smoothie (220-480 calories, 4-17 g protein) 1 c. coconut water, choice of milk, or vanilla Ensure/Boost Plus 1 – 2 peaches (fresh or frozen) 1/2 banana (fresh or frozen) 1/2 in piece of fresh turmeric* 1/2 in piece of fresh ginger 1 handful of ice
Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie (560 calories, 11 g protein) 1 c. whole milk 2 scoops chocolate ice cream 1 Tbsp chocolate whey powder 2 Tbsp Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread 1 Tbsp canola oil 1 handful ice
Cherry Almond Shake (625 Calories, 35 g protein) 1 c. whole milk 1/3 c. tart cherry juice ½ c. vanilla ice cream 2 Tbsp almond butter 1 Tbsp vanilla protein powder ½ tsp almond extract 1 handful ice
Cappuccino Shake (640 Calories, 36 g protein) 1 package chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix 1 Tbsp instant coffee 1 c. whole milk 2 scoops coffee ice cream 1 scoop chocolate whey powder 1 Tbsp canola oil 1 handful ice
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (315 calories, 20 g protein) 1 banana ½ c. canned pumpkin puree ½ c. vanilla Greek yogurt 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/2 c. whole milk A dash of ginger 1 Tbsp maple syrup
RECIPE BUILDER
Select 1 liquid + 1 protein+ 1-2 fruits + extras (optional), then blend!
