Rich Chocolate-Nut High-Calorie Shake

Start to Finish: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

This rich chocolate shake blends whole milk, ripe banana, cocoa powder, and creamy almond butter into a thick, calorie-dense drink. The long blending time helps break down banana strings and nut-butter flecks for a smooth beverage.

Chewing and swallowing difficulties are among the feeding challenges that occur throughout life with Rett syndrome. A dietitian or speech-language pathologist can help you identify the best texture and consistency for your food needs. Those are just some of the professionals you may want on your Rett syndrome care team.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 medium ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Add the whole milk, banana, cocoa powder, almond butter, and honey to a blender.
2. Blend on high for 60 to 90 seconds, pausing to scrape down the sides, until the mixture is completely smooth, with no visible banana strings, nut-butter flecks, or cocoa clumps.
3. Add the ice and blend again until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the shake is thick and uniformly smooth, with no ice chunks remaining.
4. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer if any texture remains, then serve immediately.

Nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 540 | Protein: 18 grams | Carbohydrates: 69 grams | Fiber: 10 grams | Fat: 28 grams | Sodium: 110 milligrams

Suitable for: Gluten-free diet, high-calorie diet, low-sodium diet (with unsalted nut butter), Rett syndrome-friendly diet, soft-food diet, vegetarian diet

References

1. Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Problems Occur Frequently Throughout Life in Girls and Women With Rett Syndrome — Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
2. Rett Syndrome: Comprehensive Care Guidelines — International Rett Syndrome Foundation

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