Nutrition-Packed Blender Drinks

High-calorie, high-protein diets are generally recommended to people who have far greater nutritional demands than normal individuals.

The L.A. District Dietetic Assn. has come out with “Blender-Full: High-Protein High-Calorie Recipes,” a booklet of blender-type recipes designed for persons who want to gain weight, have swallowing or chewing difficulties or medical conditions in which nausea and poor appetite are experienced.

Medical problems frequently associated with cancer, stroke, severe burns, physical and developmental disabilities and wired jaws also require high calorie and protein intake.

The recipes are appropriately low in cost, anticipating the economic difficulties of those on fixed income, as well as those burdened with health care costs.

A cost analysis found that booklet recipes, which are high in protein and calories, costs 32 to 40 cents per serving, compared to $1.05 for an equivalent drink sold commercially, or when purchased in hospitals and pharmacies.

Although the booklet recipes call for a blender or a food processor, most of the recipes can be mixed by hand.

There are blender beverage recipes for such things as pineapple cooler, a yogurt drink made with raspberry yogurt, high-protein milk (dry milk added to whole) and sherbet. A mock Orange Julius, much like the commercial type, is made with custard mix, dry milk powder and half and half. A breakfast drink calls for instant breakfast and high-protein milk for a high calorie count of 347 calories.

There are recipes for hot cereals made by boiling, shakes fortified with whipping cream and egg, soups loaded with protein and vitamins, entree substitutes such as refried bean dinner made with blended beans, rice, cheese and high-protein milk, a tuna casserole made with the help of canned mushroom soup, baby food and high-protein drink.

In the dessert department, there is a high-protein pudding made with instant pudding fortified with whipped cream and high-protein milk and an egg custard prepared with egg.

The booklet also contains lists of foods that are nutrient rich (fruits and vegetables in general, and dark green leafy vegetables in particular), as well as foods that are high in protein (meats, beans, peanut butter, dairy products). It also lists foods high in calories and fats.

The idea for the booklet began in 1984 when Memorial Hospital of Glendale dietitians and interns answered requests for high-protein, high-calorie recipes that were easy to consume by elderly and cancer patients.

“Many patients found the commercial supplements distasteful, too sweet, too expensive or difficult to purchase at their local drugstore,” said Sharon Higgins, registered dietitian of Los Angeles California Dietetic Assn. Publications.

Here are some samplings from the booklet, which can be purchased by mailing check or money order for $3.20, payable to CDA/LAD, to the California Dietetic Assn., Los Angeles District, P.O. Box 32506, Santa Monica, Calif. 90403.

MOCHANA MILKSHAKE

1 envelope instant chocolate-flavored breakfast

1 cup cold High-Protein Milk

1/2 small ripe banana

1/2 teaspoon crushed instant granulated coffee

Place instant breakfast, High-Protein Milk, banana and coffee crystals in blender container. Cover and process on high speed until well blended. Makes 1 1/2 cups or 1 serving.

Nutrient analysis per serving: 390 calories; 21.6 grams protein, 10.1 grams fat, 55.1 grams carbohydrate.

High-Protein Milk

1 quart whole milk

1 cup dry milk powder

Mix milk and milk powder and chill. Makes 1 1/4 quarts.

Nutrient analysis per 8 ounces (1 cup): 217 calories, 14 grams protein, 9 grams fat, 20 grams carbohydrate.

FRUITY BLEND

1 cup half and half

1/3 cup dry milk powder

1 1/2 cups frozen berries or other fruit of choice

2 tablespoons sugar

Place half and half, milk powder, fruit and sugar in blender container. Cover and process at high speed until well blended. Refrigerate unused portion. Makes 2 cups or 2 servings.

Nutrient analysis per serving: 388 calories, 9 grams protein, 14 grams fat, 62 grams carbohydrate.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

1 (7 1/4-ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix

2 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup margarine

2 cups High-Protein Milk

Add macaroni to 6 cups boiling water. Boil rapidly 10 minutes. Drain. Quickly stir in shredded cheese and margarine to melt. Add High-Protein Milk and cheese envelope provided with package. Mix well by hand, then place in blender. Cover and process at high speed. Makes 3 1/2 cups or 3 servings.

Nutrient analysis per serving: 420 calories; 17 grams protein, 28 grams fat; 26 grams carbohydrate.