Super Strawberry & Banana Milkshake

When your child has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), keeping their weight stable can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. During flares, periods of poor appetite, or recovery from illness, children may struggle to eat enough to meet their energy needs.

Many parents tell me they feel caught between wanting to offer nourishing foods and needing to increase calories. The good news is that calorie-dense snacks don't have to come from ultra-processed products. Sometimes, simple whole-food ingredients can provide a substantial energy boost in a form that's easy to consume.

This strawberry and banana milkshake is inspired by the popular Joe & The Juice Power Shake, but adapted to provide around 700 calories in a single serving using everyday ingredients. It's smooth, creamy, naturally sweet, and free from artificial sweeteners, colourings, emulsifiers, and other additives.

Super Strawberry & Banana Milkshake

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana

• 75g strawberries (fresh or frozen)

• 200ml whole milk

• 100ml double cream

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 20g skimmed milk powder

Method

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.

2. Blend until completely smooth.

3. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (Approximate)

• Energy: 700 calories

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 45g

• Carbohydrate: 60g

For children who struggle to eat large portions, drinks can sometimes be easier than meals. This smoothie provides a significant amount of energy in a relatively small volume.

The calories come primarily from:

• Whole milk and double cream, which provide energy-rich fats.

• Banana and honey, which contribute carbohydrate for energy.

• Skimmed milk powder, which increases both calories and protein without greatly affecting the flavour or texture.

Tips for Parents

Every child with IBD is different. Some children tolerate dairy well, while others may find it worsens symptoms. Always tailor recipes to your child's individual needs and discuss any concerns with your healthcare team.

If your child is sensitive to texture, try blending for longer to achieve a completely smooth consistency. Frozen strawberries can also make the smoothie colder and thicker, which some children prefer.

To increase the nutritional quality of the milkshake, you could add a spoonful of nut butter, oats, or chia seeds and blend well until smooth (if tolerated).

Looking Beyond Calories

While increasing calorie intake can be important, it's equally important to support overall nutrition, growth, energy levels, and confidence around food. Small changes, repeated consistently, often make the biggest difference.

If you're struggling to help your child maintain or regain weight, I can help you identify practical, family-friendly ways to increase calorie intake while keeping meals enjoyable and as nourishing as possible.