Nutrition Program - Ensure Plus®

What is Ensure Plus®? | Eligibility & Availability | Cost | Nutritional Facts | Using Ensure Plus® | Recipes

What is Ensure Plus®?

Ensure Plus® is a complete high calorie drink for people who need extra nutrition. It is a medical nutrition supplement intended for people who need to gain weight. Each 8 ounce serving provides 355 calories and 13 grams of protein. This product is appropriate for low sodium and low cholesterol diets. If you have had an unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds in the last 6 months it is important to share this information with your doctor. Talk with your doctor or dietitian if you have any health concerns regarding this supplement.

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Eligibility & Availability

You must be at least 60 years old and you must submit a prescription for use from your physician. 

You may pick up Ensure Plus at one of these locations:

• South Whidbey-Bayview Senior Center
• Cambey Apartment Office
• Oak Harbor Senior Center I&A Office
• Camano Senior & Community Center      

To have Ensure Plus® delivered to your home from Senior Services of Island County's Nutrition Program you must be a recipient of Meals on Wheels and you must submit a doctor's prescription for use.

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Cost

A donation of $22per case (24 cans) is requested. We accept cash, checks, money orders, and food stamps.

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Nutritional Facts

• 355 calories per can - a high energy drink!
• High protein (13 grams) to support muscle mass.
• Appropriate for oral and tube feeding.
• Lactose free and gluten free.
• Available in vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan, coffee, and strawberry flavors.
  

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Using Ensure Plus®

To get the most benefit from Ensure Plus®, follow these simple tips:

• Start slowly. A period of adjustment may be needed for your body to get used to such a concentrated meal.
• If you find the Ensure Plus® too rich, try diluting by adding milk or soy milk.
• Store Ensure Plus® unopened at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Serve chilled for best flavor.
• Once opened, a can should be tightly covered, refrigerated, and used within 24 hours.

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Recipes

Mocha Shake

In a blender container, combine 1 serving Ensure Plus®, 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, 3 Tbsp chocolate syrup, 1 tsp instant coffee powder and dash cinnamon.

Strawberry Shake

In a blender container, combine 1 serving Ensure Plus®, 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, and 1/2 cup frozen strawberries (slightly thawed).

Chocolate Shake

In a blender container, combine 1 serving Ensure Plus®, 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup, and a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. For a tasty treat, add 1/4 banana.

Choco-Nutty Shake

In a blender container, combine 1 serving Ensure Plus®, 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup, 1 scoop ice cream and 2 Tbsp peanut butter.

Berry-Delicious Shake

In a blender container, combine 1 serving Ensure Plus®; 1/4 cup each frozen strawberries and raspberries, slightly thawed; 1/4 medium banana and 1 scoop ice cream.

Orange Smoothie

In a blender container, combine 1 serving Ensure Plus®; 1/4 cup pasteurized egg substitute; 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate; 1/4 tsp vanilla.

Malt Flavor

Blend 1 serving Ensure Plus® with 1 heaping tsp of malt powder (can be purchased in any grocery store - look in the flavoring section).

Butterscotch

To 1 serving Ensure Plus®, add 1 tsp butterscotch syrup or 1 Tbsp butterscotch pudding powder. Add a little brown sugar for extra flavor.

Eggnog

Add 1 Tbsp egg custard mix (available in the pudding section of the grocery store) to Ensure Plus® and blend. For extra flavor, add 1/4 tsp vanilla and sprinkle with nutmeg. Note: Do NOT use raw eggs – you may become ill!

Dry Gelatin

To offer a wide variety of fruit flavors, add 1-1/2 tsp of dry flavored gelatin to 1/2 cup Ensure Plus® and stir well. If allowed to set in the refrigerator, it may tend to thicken.

Fruit Puree

In a blender container, combine 1 serving Ensure Plus® with 1/4 to 1/2 cup canned, fresh, or frozen fruit (peaches, berries, bananas, etc.)

Extracts

Look in the spice section of the grocery store. Add a few drops of your choice - vanilla, almond, lemon, or orange to flavor the Ensure Plus®.

Note: If desired, ice cream can be omitted from any recipe.

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