Soft food diets eliminate hard-to-chew foods and those that can be difficult to swallow. This type of diet is appropriate for a variety of conditions. Soft diets are often used in post-operative care to help individuals transition from liquids to a full diet. A soft diet is also appropriate when chewing and swallowing abilities are impaired, such as when someone undergoes oral surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, or mild intestinal upset is present.
Eliminated Foods
Soft diets exclude foods that can cause difficulty when chewing and swallowing. Tough meats, raw fruits and vegetables, and extra chewy breads fall into this catgeory. High-fiber foods can often be excluded as well. They tend to produce gas and cause bloating, which can cause extra discomfort for individuals suffering from intestinal upset. Foods that are spicy and highly seasoned can also cause upset and are often eliminated when using a soft diet.
Texture of Foods
The texture of foods is the main focus of soft food diets. Foods need to be soft in texture and easy to chew and swallow. Raw fruits and vegetables are often too fibrous to chew and digest. It is best to opt for cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. These are softer and can be mashed or pureed if necessary. Meats need to be moist and tender. Generally speaking, it is not necessary to grind, chop, or puree meats but these methods can be used if necessary.
Nutrition
A soft diet can meet all nutritional needs for any period of time. Regular foods can be adapted to fit a soft diet by pureeing, blending, grinding and chopping. These methods alter the texture and consistency of the foods but do not affect the nutritional value. In the event that a person requires additional calories and/or protein when on a soft diet, oral supplementation may be offered. Supplements such as Boost and Ensure can add additional calories while being easy to consume.
Cooking Methods
Cooking methods are very important when considering soft diets. Cooking vegetables and fruits can make them softer, which is beneficial. Avoid frying foods, because this increases the fat content, which can be difficult to digest. Frying can also lead to a crispy, hardened crust on the foods that can make chewing and swallowing more difficult. It is best to opt for cooking methods such as boiling, baking and steaming.
Seasoning
Highly seasoned foods are excluded from a soft diet regimen. Heavy seasonings and spices can sometimes affect people that have difficulty swallowing. They can also irritate the stomach, which can be undesirable for patients that are on a soft diet. Chili powder, creole, sweet-and-sour sauce, horseradish and garlic are just a few of the seasonings that should be excluded when on a soft diet. Soy sauce, vinegar, gravy and white sauces are better options that tend to be tolerated easier.
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