3 Happy Norwegians – Ida Kaland, Azem Selaci and Heidi Aabrekk

3 Happy Norwegians – Ida Kaland, Azem Selaci and Heidi Aabrekk

 

From Everyday Challenges to Real Food for Everyone

“Our everyday life was turned upside down when Simen came into the world 21 years ago. He was born prematurely and suffered a brain injury at birth. Chewing and swallowing difficulties appeared early, and he received a feeding tube before his first birthday.

We wanted Simen to be part of our family meals to see, smell, and taste the food we ate. Sharing those moments was about more than nutrition; it was about preserving the joy of eating and the sense of belonging around the table,” says Heidi Aabrekk, mother of Simen and founder of Hiquid Food.

 

The Everyday Struggles of Homemade Tube Feeding

Those of us who prepare homemade food for tube feeding often wonder whether the food we blend is nutritious enough or suitable for the tube. We have spent years experimenting to find the right ingredients and consistency.

When we needed to add extra water to thin the food, we worried: Would it still be nourishing enough? Would the volume be too much for one meal? Over time, we learned what worked and what didn’t seeds in bread clog the tube, raspberries don’t blend smoothly, potatoes can turn gluey. We constantly asked ourselves: Will the thin oatmeal last until lunch? Will he get enough over time to maintain his weight curve?

 

Searching for a Better Way

For many years, we dreamed of a better solution. At home, we could blend meals and adjust nutrients and flavours. But when we were on the move at school, on holiday, on a walk in the woods, or eating at a restaurant it became far more complicated.

Every day brought new layers of stress: defrosting, heating, and serving food at the right time while keeping up with everything else. Summer holidays meant worrying about frozen meals in checked bags and searching for freezers in hotels. It required meticulous timing and planning in an already demanding life.

 

Inspiration Strikes

We had been searching for a simpler solution since 2005 more time for conversations about ingredients, taste, and the joy of real food. And we wanted to celebrate the organic farmers of Norway who grow extraordinary produce.

Then in 2021, it clicked: What do people bring when hiking or camping and need nutritious food?
The answer was simple freeze-dried meals. Add boiling water, and you get a nutritious, homemade-tasting meal.

After years of struggling with conventional tube feeds, we decided to create something better for everyone who relies on a feeding tube.
And now we can proudly say: Food is served!

Lots of love,
Heidi Aabrekk (Founder of Hiquid Food)

 

A New Life with Real Food – Ida Kaland

“I developed a serious nutritional problem as a complication after surgery in 2015, and since 2016 I’ve depended on alternating PEG and PEJ feeding tubes. During these years, I used the tube feeding formulas provided through the national health system, but I constantly struggled with digestive issues, headaches, and persistent nausea whenever the feeding pump was running.

The nausea made it nearly impossible to get enough nutrition I often had to choose between feeling nauseous or hungry. Hunger usually won. On top of that, it was difficult knowing that most of my nutrition came from synthetic formulas without real food.”

 

Discovering Real Food

“That’s why I was so surprised when my dietitian told me about Hiquid Food. With this tube food, I’ve had no nausea, no headaches, and no digestive problems. Even more amazing, Hiquid Food actually smells appetising, and for the first time since 2016, I find myself craving food again.”

 

A New Everyday Life With Real Nutrition

“I’m now gradually replacing synthetic formulas with Hiquid Food, a process that takes time. In the beginning there was some trial and error with consistency some mess, some confusion but it’s getting easier.

Because I can only tolerate small amounts at a time, a quarter-portion feeding can take up to an hour. I’ve had to create new routines, but it’s worth it. A conversation with my dietitian was also helpful for increasing the calorie content of my feeds.

Real food is improving my quality of life and the ingredients are top quality too: organic turkey from Homlagarden, wild-caught cod, organic fruit, berries, and vegetables.

Finally, those of us with tube feeding needs can access real, wholesome food. I wholeheartedly recommend Hiquid Food products.”

Warm regards,
Ida Kaland (2025)

 

“Nutrition Is So Important – Hiquid Food Makes Everyday Life Easier for Us”

“After our son started tube feeding, we realised parents receive very little information. The hospital told us he had to have conventional formulas only. They believed he couldn’t tolerate any other food because of chemotherapy and surgery. His body was weak and he couldn’t eat on his own.

But feeding him only conventional tube feeds was not a good solution he wasn’t growing. A varied diet is so important. Since the gut is the body’s ‘second brain,’ the food we choose directly affects health.

I heard about Hiquid Food through parent groups on Facebook. When I asked dietitians and doctors, none of them had heard of it they questioned whether it was safe or produced to a high enough standard.

But the information on Hiquid Food’s website reassured us. We have had no infections, and we’ve seen huge improvements better digestion, weight gain, and more energy.”

 

Real Food, Real Difference

“It’s important to understand how vital nutrition is in these situations. For parents who have never experienced this, being able to ease the burden is life-changing. How are we supposed to feed our child when he can’t eat by himself?

For us, as parents who prepare homemade tube meals, Hiquid Food truly makes everyday life easier. You simply take the powder, measure it, mix with water and oil—and add extras if you want.”

— Azem Selaci, father of Lorentz (child with neuroblastoma)