Ensure Plus is a high-calorie, protein-rich nutritional supplement designed to help individuals gain or maintain weight, or supplement their daily intake when regular meals are insufficient. Proper consumption is key to maximizing its benefits and ensuring it's a pleasant part of your routine. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from serving it perfectly to integrating it into your daily diet.
How to Serve and Enjoy Ensure Plus
For most users, especially those using the ready-to-drink bottles, preparation is simple. However, a few tips can dramatically improve the experience. Always shake the bottle well before opening to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed, as some settling may occur.
Chilled for the Best Flavor
The most common and recommended method for drinking Ensure Plus is to serve it chilled.
- Refrigerate: Storing unopened bottles in the refrigerator is the best way to ensure they are ready to drink when you are.
- Over ice: For an extra-cold treat, pour the shake over a glass of ice. You can even blend it with crushed ice for a frappe-like texture.
- Frozen treats: For a creative twist, freeze the shake into ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a high-calorie, nutritious snack. This is especially useful for those with a sore throat or mouth sores who find cold foods soothing.
Warming and Cooking with Ensure Plus
While Ensure Plus is typically enjoyed cold, certain flavors can be warmed. The chocolate and coffee flavors are ideal for this.
- Gentle warming: Gently heat the shake on the stovetop or in the microwave. Important: Do not let the liquid boil, as this can destroy some of the nutritional content.
- Creative applications: Use Ensure Plus as a high-calorie, high-protein substitute for milk in various recipes. Examples include adding it to soups, creamy casseroles, or puddings.
Using Ensure Plus for Specific Goals
For Weight Gain
Ensure Plus is specifically formulated with extra calories and protein to support healthy weight gain.
- With or between meals: The most effective strategy is to drink Ensure Plus in addition to, not in place of, your regular meals. This provides a calorie boost without spoiling your appetite for solid food. Try drinking one serving mid-morning and another in the evening.
- Calorie-dense additions: Boost the calorie and nutrient content of other foods by using Ensure Plus. For example, add it to your morning oatmeal, use it as a base for smoothies with added peanut butter and bananas, or mix it into a milkshake with a scoop of ice cream.
As a Meal Replacement
In some cases, or under medical supervision, Ensure Plus can be used as a meal replacement. This is particularly relevant for individuals who have difficulty eating solid foods due to illness, surgery, or poor appetite.
- Nutritionally complete: Ensure Plus provides complete, balanced nutrition, so it can serve as an interim sole source of nutrition if necessary. However, this should only be done with professional medical guidance.
Best Practices for Maximizing Benefits
- Consult a professional: Before starting any new dietary regimen, especially if you have an underlying health condition, consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian to determine the right serving size and frequency for your needs. Typically, 1–2 servings are recommended daily.
- Stay consistent: For the best results, especially concerning weight gain or recovery, consistency is key. Incorporate the shakes into your daily routine at a set time.
- Monitor your intake: While Ensure Plus is beneficial, it's also high in sugar and calories. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully when consuming it.
Creative Recipe Ideas to Improve Flavor
If you find the taste of the standard shakes monotonous, a little creativity can go a long way.
- Ensure Plus Berry Smoothie: Blend vanilla Ensure Plus with a cup of frozen mixed berries and a spoonful of honey.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake: Combine chocolate Ensure Plus with half a frozen banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Pumpkin Spice Shake: For a seasonal treat, blend vanilla Ensure Plus with canned pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
Ensure Plus vs. Ensure Original: A Comparison
Knowing the difference between Ensure Plus and other Ensure products can help you choose the right one for your goals. The primary distinction is the calorie and protein content.
| Feature | Ensure Original | Ensure Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per 8oz serving | 250 calories | 350 calories |
| Protein per 8oz serving | 9 grams | 13-16 grams |
| Primary Goal | General nutrition maintenance | Weight gain or recovery |
| Omega-3s | 320 mg | 650 mg |
| Best For | Supplemental nutrition for active, healthy adults | Individuals experiencing weight loss or with high calorie needs |
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects, especially during the initial stages of use.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Some individuals report diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. These issues often resolve with consistent use as the body adjusts.
- Sugar content: The sugar content in some flavors may be a concern for individuals with diabetes, requiring careful monitoring. Ensure offers sugar-free options like Ensure Diabetes Care for such cases.
- Drug interactions: Patients on specific medications, such as blood thinners like warfarin, should consult a doctor, as high doses of vitamin K in some formulas can cause interactions.
Conclusion
Drinking Ensure Plus can be an effective way to meet increased nutritional needs for weight gain, recovery, or supplementing a regular diet. For the best experience, serve it chilled, shake well, and consider creative additions like fruits or flavorings to enhance the taste. While it's a versatile supplement, remember to consult a healthcare professional to tailor its use to your specific health goals. By following these guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of Ensure Plus and make it a delicious and integral part of your wellness journey.
