Are any of the two good for iron or protein deficiency (sp?), any experiences?
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
I think Ensure is definitely high protein. I had to take Boost during pregnancy, which is similar.
Be aware of the high sodium content.
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
Carnation Instant Breakfast is supposed to be really good for iron deficiency. They even have a "no sugar added" version. It is said that the protein in it is 2x the amount in an egg.
Beware of all of the extra calories and such that come along with Ensure. It is usually recommended for those that need the extra calories/calorie replacement. Boost has alot of the same nutrients but less of the fat.
Since I have been forever underweight and at times iron deficient, doctors have recommended all of these things at times. Ensure was the one recommended highly solely for increase in calorie intake though.
I have stuck with the Carnation Instant Breakfast because I find it to be tastier than the other two. Boost and Ensure were just way too sweet for my taste and I wasn't doing a good job being consistent in drinking them due to this.
Every morning, I actually make a smoothie for myself: one packet of Vanilla Carnation Instant Breakfast, half a banana, a container of strawberry yogurt, and some milk. Blend it all together and you end up with a fab tasting super nutritious drink. It tastes sooooo good that I have never had a problem remembering to make one.
I havn't had any iron/protein deficiency issues since I started being consistent with my Carnation Smoothie breakfast :D
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
I like Strawberry Boost.
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
Stupid question, what do you need calories for?
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
^ lol. either people like me who are underweight and are trying desperately to gain weight, young kids who are super fussy and not eating right, or old people who have become really kamzor and need the extra calories for strength. I remember my dad would always send loads and loads of Ensure for my nana ji as he got more and more ill and kamzor.
I don't really see any other reason to why a person would need to go out of their way to consume more calories tho. People sometimes needs certain minerals and vitamins due to deficiencies in their diets... but rarely do the general public need extra calories.
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
I used to drink alot of ensure when I was a kid.......It worked a bit too well for me. :(
Carnation Instant Breakfast is supposed to be really good for iron deficiency. They even have a "no sugar added" version. It is said that the protein in it is 2x the amount in an egg.
Beware of all of the extra calories and such that come along with Ensure. It is usually recommended for those that need the extra calories/calorie replacement. Boost has alot of the same nutrients but less of the fat.
Since I have been forever underweight and at times iron deficient, doctors have recommended all of these things at times. Ensure was the one recommended highly solely for increase in calorie intake though.
I have stuck with the Carnation Instant Breakfast because I find it to be tastier than the other two. Boost and Ensure were just way too sweet for my taste and I wasn't doing a good job being consistent in drinking them due to this.
Every morning, I actually make a smoothie for myself: one packet of Vanilla Carnation Instant Breakfast, half a banana, a container of strawberry yogurt, and some milk. Blend it all together and you end up with a fab tasting super nutritious drink. It tastes sooooo good that I have never had a problem remembering to make one.
I havn't had any iron/protein deficiency issues since I started being consistent with my Carnation Smoothie breakfast :D
i'm so gonna start doing that PR!! God knows i need the calories!!! LOL
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
This smoothie thing is perfect for people like me and you Duffy! haha :D DEFINITELY go for it.... it tastes delicious too kasam.
If you want to be a freak like me and get even more calories... lately I have been substituting the strawberry yogurt for strawberry icecream. LOL.
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
Have you put on any weight since you started drinking the smoothie?
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
Pareezay - I didn’t loose any weight during ramaaan like I usually do. I always made sure to drink this at sehri along with whatever else I was eating. That was really awesome 
Other than this I have gained only one pound. But that is more than fine with me… slowly but surely I am sure I will start gaining the weight.
My metabolism is horrendous. It is so easy for me to loose weight when I get ill or during ramadaan. I had swine flu 3 months back and didnt loose weight during that time as well. So the fact that it is basically helping me maintain my current weight is great.
It works best when you have the smoothie along with your normal breakfast. I need to get better with this. Most mornings I only drink the smoothie by itself since I have no appetite in the morning 
But as I noted above, I have not had any iron/protein deficiency issues since I started drinking the smoothie. Also another huge positive.
Re: Carnation Instant Breakfast and Ensure
my mom used to take ensure , I dont think it helps in iron deficiency it's just a supplement and provides you with all the nourishment one is supposed to get from food.