What Foods Are Included In A Soft Diet?

A soft diet consists of foods that are easily swallowed with minimal or no chewing. Certain medical conditions require this type of diet long term, or it may be a temporary diet for post-surgical patients. It's best to adhere to your prescribed diet to avoid complications. Foods on the soft diet are prepared by mashing and blending well-cooked foods, giving you many options.

Meats

You may have most lean meats on your soft diet. Do not eat stringy types of meat or those with bones. Chicken and beef are versatile and easily ground up into a dish for your consumption. Baking, broiling or stewing are your preferred methods of cooking meat while on this diet.

Dairy Group

Dairy products are an important part of your daily diet and give many nutrients including calcium and magnesium. The International Dairy Foods Association notes that milk contains proteins essential to battling infection. Ice cream and yogurt without fruit and nuts are allowed on a soft diet, and especially palatable if you experience pain with swallowing. Soft and melted cheeses make a great addition to top your soft food meal.

Breads and Starches

The bread and starch category give a good serving of carbohydrates that supply your body with energy. They also make you feel full quicker. Cooked cereals and most pasta are allowed with your soft diet. You can easily add your cooked pastas to soups. When eating dry breakfast cereals, Aurora Health Care recommends that you let them soak in milk until soft. You may have soft breads except for those with raisins and whole grains.

Vegetables and Fruit

You can't leave fruits and vegetables out of your diet. Cook your raw vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, until they are soft and easily mashed. They can be lightly seasoned to taste. You should peel your fruit before cooking and eating. Avoid fruits with peels or seeds that you cannot remove. Bananas and other naturally soft fruits can be eaten without problems.

Sweet Stuff

You don't have to miss dessert when you are on a soft diet. Simple puddings and custards are great choices to satisfy your sweet tooth. Flavored gelatin is a cool treat and soothing if swallowing is painful. For a healthy treat, try blending some fruit with your favorite juice for a smoothie and add in a vegetable to make it even more nutritious.