Nutrition drinks & protein bars, best deals?

[v.t.]

My DS (12) has Crohn's and the dietitian suggested he start eating/drinking more nutrition drinks and protein bars. She suggested 2 a day. We are already using the store brand drinks, but with him needing that much, I was wondering if there was a powdered form available. And as far as protein bars, any suggestions?

While we will get whatever he needs to be healthy, I would prefer it not to break the bank. (That is what the hospital is for. LOL!)

TIA!

 

[Maddies Mama]

I make my own homemade protein bars. I'm not sure if this recipe would work for you since I don't know what foods he can have or needs to avoid, but tweak as needed:

4c quick oats (optional - put under the broiler for a couple of minutes to toast them)
6 scoops protein powder of your choice
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2c honey (can use maple syrup as well)
1 banana
1 medium apple, chopped
1 tbsp cinnamon
1.5 cups sliced almonds
1 cup natural peanut butter (real natural PB, not the skippy or jif "natural" kind).

1. Puree banana and chopped apple in blender until smooth

2. In a large mixing bowl, stir pureed fruit, honey and peanut butter until mixed evenly

3. Add remaining ingredients and stir until mixture is rigid and a little sticky

4. Press evenly into 13x9 pan and refrigerate or freeze

5. Cut into 18 bars.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

I like the Pure Protein brand for the bars. Sam's has a variety pack with three flavors. Wal-Mart sells the bars individually. There are several flavors for your son to try. The peanut butter one is my favorite. My second favorite one is the smores flavor.

 

[geniegirl]

Check out gnc for powdered protein to make the shakes far better than the remade ones.

 

[disney*mom*82]

My mom has crohns and my niece is in process of being tested, she is 12, so I know it is hard on the person and their family, so my prayers sent your way.

My DD4(wow she turns 4 tomorrow!) had to be on nutritional drinks since 4 months old. Have you had the doctor write a prescription and see if insurance will help? My DD prefers to drink Boost Kid Essentials vanilla flavored and I know you can print coupons online from their site and also call the company and they will send coupons every month. The doctor also told me that using whole milk and adding Carnation Instant Breakfast to it is just about the same as the nutritional drinks. Ask your doctor about that maybe? GL

 

[PhillyMc]

Sams club sells EAS protine powder for about $30 for 6lbs which is one of the cheepest I've found. I personally love the vanilla flavor and mix it with orange gatoraid for a cream pop. I love 16oz of milk, two scoops of powder and a part of a bag of frozen fruit for a good smoothy. As for protine bars I really dislike the tast of most due to the over prossessing. I know my uncle can not eat most granolia bars due to seeds and such getting stuck in pockets. If you want to try many diff bars looks for the local fitness shows in your area. The biggest in the US are in Las Vegas and Columbus, Ohio.

 

[SoonerSarah]

Yeah, I was going to see if you could ask for a script to get at least some of the cost covered for the nutrition drinks.

 

[LoveMickeyWaffles]

Good luck with insurance covering any of the cost

My son has multiple medical issues and we've worked with a nutrionist for years. She recommended the Carnation Instant Breakfast and whole
vitamin D milk. We have been doing it for years, 3 times a day - and he has manged to maintain and even gain weight. Not to mention it is certainly more cost effective than $8-10 dollars for a 6 pk of Pediasure and doesn't have that strong vitaminy taste.

 

[Swimalie]

I know this was a year ago and the powders may have changed but be careful, especially with a child involved.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/health&id=7473904

Here is a good chart to break it down more http://realfoodforlife.com/protein-powder-toxic/

I drink a protein drink after every swim practice (helps the muscles rebuild faster). I buy Boost at BJs and have one each time. For faster results, I've heard to look for Whey Protein. I have tried the bars but I can't handle the after taste. Try out a few products and see which ones he will eat/drink. They all taste different and some can be better taste than others.

 

[v.t.]

I make my own homemade protein bars.

Thanks, I will try that!

My mom has crohns and my niece is in process of being tested, she is 12, so I know it is hard on the person and their family, so my prayers sent your way.
The doctor also told me that using whole milk and adding Carnation Instant Breakfast to it is just about the same as the nutritional drinks. Ask your doctor about that maybe? GL

To your family and thanks for the prayers. We are already using carnation instant breakfast but milk has started to bother him, so we are looking into almond milk as well as other routes. There is a website, crohnsforum.com and they have a section for kids. If your niece is interested.

Sams club sells EAS protine powder for about $30 for 6lbs which is one of the cheepest I've found. I personally love the vanilla flavor and mix it with orange gatoraid for a cream pop. I love 16oz of milk, two scoops of powder and a part of a bag of frozen fruit for a good smoothy.

Thanks for the suggestion, DS is getting tired of the milk drinks, so the cream pop might work. I had to laugh at the suggestion of me going to a fitness show. Least I would give the exhibitors a good laugh.