Name: Ensure Drink Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup yogurt; 1 medium banana, peeled; 2 tablespoons of protein powder; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A sprinkling of fresh or frozen berries

A homemade Ensure-type drink can help easily and deliciously supplement your diet with protein, vitamins, and minerals and be great for energy boosts or meal replacements. Give this easy, adaptable recipe a try if your busy life allows.

Table of Contents

How To Make Homemade Ensure Drink

Blend together milk, protein powder, fruits, and nuts to make a healthy power shake. Add vanilla or chocolate for flavor. Tailor with plant-based fillings for dietary preferences Packed with nutrients that keep you full throughout the day, these shakes are also perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy such as almond, soy)
1/2 cup yogurt (plain or flavored, as you wish)
1 medium banana, peeled
2 tablespoons of protein powder of your choice (whey, soy, etc.)
1 tablespoon honey or other sweetener of choice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A sprinkling of fresh or frozen berries (optional, for flavor and nutrients)

Instructions

Blend the Ingredients: Add your milk, yogurt, banana, protein powder, honey, and vanilla extract to a blender. If you’re adding the berries, throw them in there too. Blend until all the way smooth and creamy.
Adjust Consistency: If the shake is too thick, slowly pour in some more milk until you reach your perfect consistency. If you want a thicker shake, throw in a few ice cubes before you blend.
Taste and Sweeten: Now taste your drink and if you want a sweeter flavor, add more honey.
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the nutrient-rich shake into a glass and enjoy! It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Serving Suggestions

You can even throw in a handful of spinach or kale to sneak in some extra greens.
Replace the banana with other fruits such as mango, pineapple, or peach.
Use flavored yogurt to change things up.
Sprinkle chopped nuts, seeds, or granola on top for crunch and added nutrients.
Mix in some protein powder for a post-workout jolt.

Tips and Variations

Pre-make Smoothie Packs: Portion all solid ingredients into freezer bags so you have smoothie packs ready to go. Just add milk and blend for a no-fuss option when you’re ready to eat.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a spiced flavor.
Change sweeteners: Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia.
Go Green: Add health with a scoop of wheatgrass or spirulina.
Nut Butter Swirl: Add a spoonful of almond, peanut, or cashew butter for a creamier consistency and additional protein.

Preparation Time

approximately 5 minutes
serving size: 1 person

Nutrition Information

Calories: 230
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 60mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 11g

Ingredient Substitutes

Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used.
Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar, or a few pitted dates for sweetness.
Yogurt: select coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt if plant-based.
Banana: Swap out for half an avocado (1 cup frozen cauliflower works too) for creaminess.
Butter: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based substitute.
Eggs: Combine flaxseed meal or chia seeds with water for a vegan egg replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does frozen fruit last in a smoothie?

Absolutely! Frozen fruit is a nice way to add texture and chill your smoothie without ice.

How do I make my smoothie thicker or thinner?

Wanna make it thicker, just add more frozen fruit, nut butter or chia seeds. To make them runnier, just add more liquid (milk, water, juice) until you reach the consistency that you desire.

So what can you use instead of protein powder?

Yes! Greek yogurt, tofu, even cooked quinoa can be a source of protein in your smoothie.

Can I prepare smoothie ingredients in advance?

Definitely! You can do prep work ahead and keep ingredients in portioned bags in the freezer to easily use later.

Are there any tips for sweetening up my smoothie?

Try adding natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or a ripe banana, to your smoothie.

Conclusion

Smoothies are an easy and delicious way to boost nutrient intake and accommodate dietary preferences. You can convert recipes for dairy-free, vegan, or other ingredient extremes, without sacrificing taste or texture, by using ingredient substitutes. Tweaking thickness or sweetness allows you to customize each smoothie to your way of life.

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