If you or someone close to you uses a feeding tube, you know how holidays can bring up mixed feelings. A big part of these special days is sharing meals with family and friends, so it’s easy to feel left out when you can’t participate in this tradition.

Blended tube feeding has changed this narrative, offering a bridge to inclusivity during mealtimes. Throughout my years as a dietitian, I’ve helped many families switch to using real, blended food for tube feeding. I’ve seen first-hand how this change positively affects the person with the feeding tube and the whole family.

One family shared a heartwarming story about their daughter who had struggled with her tube feeds her whole life. But this past Easter, she was a totally different kid after switching to blended foods. She was up and ready for the Easter egg hunt with energy and excitement, something they hadn’t seen before.

After the Easter egg hunt, the family sat down for a meal. The mom made a plate for her daughter, just like everyone else’s. She blended it with some liquid, and her daughter could enjoy the same meal alongside the family.

This mom shared how special it was to finally feel connected to her child’s eating, especially during family traditions. It wasn’t just the health boost that made a difference but also enjoying those priceless family moments together again.

And here’s some hope for anyone facing similar challenges – while having a feeding tube can complicate holiday celebrations, there’s a way to make it easier. Using blended food for tube feeds allows everyone to share the same meal, making these special times feel more inclusive.

You might be thinking about trying it with the holidays coming up! But don’t worry, you don’t have to make everything from scratch. Many families I work with like to use commercial real food tube feeding products, like Real Food Blends. This approach simplifies the process!

Here are two easy recipes using Real Food Blends and some Thanksgiving favorites to help everyone in your family feel more connected this holiday season!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

• 1 pouch Real Food Blends Mini Prunes, Pears & Pumpkin
• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, plain, whole milk*
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1/3 cup whole milk*
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Add food and liquid to the blender and blend on high for ~2 minutes, or until completely liquified and with no chunks. You may need to strain the blended meal if there are any pieces/chunks.

This makes 300 mL and is approximately 395 calories** (1.3 calorie per mL) and 10 grams protein** for the full recipe†.

Store unused portion in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Maple Turkey with Acorn Squash

• 1 pouch Real Food Blends Turkey, Sweet Potatoes & Peaches
• 1/4 cup cooked & mashed acorn squash
• 1 oz cooked turkey breast
• 1/4 cup apple, chopped
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/3 cup chicken stock

Add food and liquid to the blender and blend on high for ~2 minutes, or until completely liquified and with no chunks. You may need to strain the blended meal if there are any pieces/chunks.

This yields 480 mL and is approximately 520 calories** (1.1 calorie per mL) and 25 grams protein** for the full recipe†.

Store unused portion in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition is so much more than fueling our bodies. It’s a a way we connect with others, share love, and take care of our whole selves, mind and body.

I hope this helps you think about tube feeding a little differently, and makes things a bit brighter. And remember – you’ve got a community by your side, supporting you every step of the way! You’re never alone in this journey!

Happy Holidays!

Hilarie, RD, CSP

Hilarie Geurink, RD, CSP, is a registered dietitian with over 7 years of tube feeding experience. She is the founder of Blended Tube Feeding, a virtual private practice that supports families with blenderized diets. Her mission is to advocate for better acceptance of blenderized diets in the medical community and to support families with their blending journey along the way.

*Contains milk

**Specific nutritional information may vary by brand/variety.

†Consult with your medical team before making any changes to your diet. If micronutrients are a concern, a 100% complete multivitamin can be a simple solution, and if needed an additional calcium supplement and sodium per healthcare provider recommendation.