The soft food diet is designed for people who have difficulty chewing, swallowing or digesting foods. According to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website, this diet is especially useful for people who are recovering from surgery or a long illness. This diet focuses on foods that are easy to chew and swallow, and that the digestive system can easily break down and assimilate.
Only switch to soft food diet under the direction and care of a physician or nutritionist.
Soups and Broths
According to Drugs.com, soups and broths are an important part of a soft food diet. They help maintain hydration while providing protein, vitamins and minerals. Beef and chicken broth are good choices during the first days of recovery from illness or surgery because they require no chewing and can be digested easily. Soups with soft vegetables or meats, such as tomato or vegetable soup, are also easy to eat, and provide vitamins, protein and dietary fiber. In some cases, you may need to blend or puree soups to reduce the need for chewing. Avoid bean soups, chowders and soups with chunky meats or vegetables, advises the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website.
Cooked Vegetables
Cooked and canned vegetables are also good soft diet choices because they are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Most vegetables that are canned or cooked until soft are acceptable under a soft food diet regimen. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes and mashed potatoes are also good choices. Avoid vegetables that cause gas, such as cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as whole kernel corn, fried vegetables and raw vegetables other than lettuce and tomatoes.
Meats and Meat Replacements
Soft, cooked meats such as liver, tender beef, veal, turkey and chicken can be included in a soft food diet. You may also include protein-rich meat replacements such as tofu, creamy peanut butter and soft eggs. Stay away from fried and smoked meats, sausage, shellfish, seafood that contains bones, and crispy fried eggs. Also, avoid nuts, seeds and dried beans, which are difficult for the body to digest.
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