Which beverage is high in calories that could benefit a patient needing additional energy?

When considering options for a beverage that is high in calories and can benefit a patient needing additional energy, smoothies are an excellent choice.

Smoothies can be made from a variety of ingredients including fruits, vegetables, yogurt, nut butters, and even supplements like protein powders. The use of calorie-dense ingredients, such as bananas, avocados, or full-fat dairy, allows smoothies to provide significant amounts of energy. Additionally, because they can be customized to include numerous high-calorie ingredients, smoothies can effectively meet the specific nutritional and caloric needs of a patient who may be underweight, recovering from illness, or in need of energy for various reasons.

In contrast, the other beverage options provided do not offer the same energy density. Water is calorie-free, making it essential for hydration but not beneficial for those needing a calorie boost. Unsweetened tea, while potentially beneficial for hydration and providing antioxidants, does not contribute calories significantly. Similarly, diet soda contains artificially sweetened flavors without calories, which also wouldn’t assist in increasing energy intake. Thus, smoothies stand out as the ideal choice for enhancing caloric intake in a patient requiring additional energy.