Non-Lactose Nutritional Shakes

[CLobster2142]

Hi All,
I'm recently diagnosed with Crohn's and trying to get through my flare. I've lost a good 15 pounds and I don't believe I'm soaking up much nutrition still. I think it'd probably be good to supplement my intake with a nutritional shake like Ensure, Boost, Glucerna, etc. etc. The problem is that I'm lactose intolerant, and many of these products have milk or milk product in them. Does anyone have any suggestions? I also like to work out at the gym to the best of my ability, so protein is definitely an added bonus, too. Thanks!

 

[happy]

Hi CLobster2142,
Welcome to the forum. EnsurePlus is labelled lactose-free although it does contain milk products. I believe that it has an enzyme added to it to modify the lactose, similar to ice creams that are labelled lactose-free. So you might be able to tolerate them. They also have a higher protein one (not sure if it is lactose-free as well though.)

Dairy-free shakes are another matter. I have been unable to find prepared nutritional shakes that do not contain any dairy.

There are other products that are more allergy friendly and easier to digest; however, they usually require a prescription and are more expensive. You can look on the Enteral Nutrition page under the Treatment Sub-forum on this forum for information about these products.

 

[lisakuney]

The "Muscle Milk" brand shakes are dairy free. I buy the huge tub of the powder at Sam's Club, and you can also buy pre-made shakes. They are low carb and high protein, and taste really good.

 

[CLobster2142]

Thanks for the advice. I went to the organic food store today and went through the vitamin aisle. I ended up going with a couple packets of various powders per bangarang's recommendation that are lactose free. Going to try out Vegan Sport, Spiru-tein, and Amazing Meal. Each of them are loaded with vitamins and at least 10g of protein per serving. I'll post the verdict back in here. I plan to mix them with vanilla almond milk.

Lisakuney, I think muscle milk would be good too. I'm familiar with it, but I don't know the nutritional info. Is muscle milk heavy on vitamins too or is it mostly calories and protein? Thanks.

 

[CLobster2142]

Low energy / low appetite day on my end so I tried the chocolate Vegan Sport protein powder mixed with almond milk. Didn't mix enough milk at first and choked on the powder a little, lol. But, added some more milk and the taste wasn't too bad. Within an hour it helped pick me up and I wasn't feeling to bad. Maybe its in my head, but I'll say it worked pretty well. Definitely a positive review from me. I'll try it again since I just bought a single packet.

 

[Catherine]

My daughter says the supplements are easier to drink with a straw.

 

[Leo Soy]

@CLobster2142, When you said Vegan Sport, did you mean the brand Vega Sport? I've not tried that one, but I have definitely enjoyed the regular Vega Meal Replacement powder. I use it in my morning smoothies with soy or almond milk, fruits and veggies. Fills me up and gives me the energy I need.

 

[bangarang]

Low energy / low appetite day on my end so I tried the chocolate Vegan Sport protein powder mixed with almond milk. Didn't mix enough milk at first and choked on the powder a little, lol. But, added some more milk and the taste wasn't too bad. Within an hour it helped pick me up and I wasn't feeling to bad. Maybe its in my head, but I'll say it worked pretty well. Definitely a positive review from me. I'll try it again since I just bought a single packet.

Awesome, glad to hear you had positive effects from Vega Sport, definitely good stuff!

 

[CLobster2142]

Leo, yes, Vegan Sport is a brand. I bought it from my local Whole Foods supermarket. That's not too bad of an idea either to mix in things like fruit and whatnot. I find the powders to be helpful, but the natural sugars and energy from the berries/fruit is a definite plus. And thanks, bangarang. I was a little resistant to the powders at first, but they really do seem to work. It'll be great moving forward on my low appetite/energy days. I think tomorrow I'll try another since I plan to go to the gym to help work on my energy and stamina.

 

[CLobster2142]

And I should clarify, when I say "resistant" to the powders, I mean I was being foolish and stubborn. : )

 

[Bridget]

Hi CLobster,

My first post on this forum! Background - diagnosed with IBD (indeterminate whether UC or Crohn's) in 2000. I'm into sports, cycling mainly, so important for me to get enough protein. Protein is also needed to help repair damage to the gut.

I think it's a really good idea to get some of your daily nutrition in liquid/blended form, especially when you're having a flare-up as easier on the digestion.

I tried the Vega meal replacement powder on a recent trip to the US and it was good. It's hard to get in the UK, and expensive. I tend to mix pumpkin seed, hemp, and pea protein together, with some frozen or fresh fruit, and sometimes green veg. Also include some flax seed oil and sometimes maca.

In the morning for breakfast, I have about 30 grams of protein in this. After a ride for recovery I have less protein and more fruit.

It definitely helps to put it in a blender rather than just mixing the powder with water / juice / plant milk by hand.

The pupkin seed protein I use is this one - http://www.livingiseasy.co.uk/produ...S._Naturally_concentrated._Great_taste._750g/

It's pretty palatable, in comparison to hemp protein e.g.

Anyway, hope you're getting on well with the ones you have - just some other ideas

Bridget

 

[CLobster2142]

Hiya, Bridget! I'm definitely liking the Vega Sport mix a bit (sorry Leo Soy, I have been using the wrong name for several posts now. you were correct). I definitely think I need to get more protein in a liquid or some kind of supplement despite the fact I'm eating a bit of chicken, fish, and super lean red meats. I'm still losing body mass despite my slow but steady recovery. I'll check out the link, and I will absolutely take all of the info and recommendations I can get. Thanks!

 

[MoxieBrown]

I tried Visalus shakes, I was overly skeptical but it did say "lactose free" on the back so I gave it a shot. These taste really good, and don't have gluten in them either so they are very well tolerated by me. If anyone wants to try them go to Facebook and /freesamplevisalus and you can get a free sample.

 

[newlymarriedtocrohns]

Hi CLobster! Glad you're having such success!

Does Vega Sport mix have a taste? Does fruit smoothies or juice cover the taste up pretty well? My husband couldn't stand the taste of Muscle Milk shakes (didn't like the vanilla milky taste), so would this be a better option?

 

[CLobster2142]

Hi newlymarriedtocrohns. I like Vega Sport actually. I've been taking it for months. They have a pre-workout energizer which is great for an energy boost before I go to the gym (only get acai berry, the lime one isn't so good). Their vanilla and chocolate supplements aren't bad either for those bad days or trying to bulk up a little. I just add water. Tried almond milk initially with it but it was just too much. I hate Muscle Milk too, so hopefully this will work it. Cheers!

 

[JuliaMai78]

Hi All,
I'm recently diagnosed with Crohn's and trying to get through my flare. I've lost a good 15 pounds and I don't believe I'm soaking up much nutrition still. I think it'd probably be good to supplement my intake with a nutritional shake like Ensure, Boost, Glucerna, etc. etc. The problem is that I'm lactose intolerant, and many of these products have milk or milk product in them. Does anyone have any suggestions? I also like to work out at the gym to the best of my ability, so protein is definitely an added bonus, too. Thanks!

You can consume almonds as they have 'good' fat and proteins.

 

[CLobster2142]

Absolutely. I've gotten to be good "friends" with almond milk, for example. Love it!