So you’re post stem cell transplant, post chemo, post surgery,  or for whatever reason, you just don’t feel like eating or drinking!  In a normal healthy person’s life, this isn’t a cause for alarm; however, in the case of someone who has been sick for a while and has already lost weight and can easily become dehydrated, it develops into a major problem.  How do they regain strength and stamina without fuel?  Something that tastes good one day doesn’t necessarily work the next.  Nausea replaces hunger pains.  Old favorites are no longer favorite or palatable at all.   Add in all the requirements of what can and can’t be eaten because of fear of bacteria and interaction with medicines……HELP!

I’ve had to become both creative and sneaky.  Oh and yes, a little thick skinned as well because despite the time and effort put in, sometimes my cooking is a fail for my patient when he usually loves my cooking!  The smoothie has become one of my best weapons against dehydration and for healthy calories.  This is a favorite recipe because it is packed full of protein and potassium.

Banana Nut Smoothie

• 2 Tbls. good quality natural peanut, almond, or cashew butter
• 2 scoops Young Living protein plus vanilla spice protein powder (or other good quality protein powder)
• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Send this for a good spin in a blender.  Now you have an easy on the stomach, nutrient filled smoothie that is truly good for you AND delicious!  Makes 2 servings.

Total protein in this smoothie is 29 grams per serving; calories come out to 380 per serving.  For me, I would definitely use this as a meal replacement because I don’t need the extra calories.  If needing to cut calories, leave out the yogurt and/or 1/2 the amount of nut butter.

*This one is great with chocolate protein powder as well.  Add a tablespoon of local honey if you need a little more sweetness.  Honey is a NO if post transplant!!

**Getting used to smoothies that aren’t super sweet sometimes takes a while if one is used to a lot of sugary or artificially sweetened drinks, snacks, and desserts.  I promise your body will thank you for your effort in decreasing your sugar intake, and your taste buds will adjust!  Fruit tastes so amazingly sweet once you get away from all those fake sweeteners!