A soft food diet is recommended for people who have difficulty swallowing or chewing, such as those who have recently had surgery or are experiencing an extended illness. Chemotherapy patients, who sometimes have trouble with digestion and swallowing, also benefit from soft food diets. This diet focuses on foods that are easy to eat and digest, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. There are several foods that should be avoided while on a soft food diet.
Raw Fruit
Most raw fruits should be avoided while adhering to a soft diet, according to the National Institutes of Health. This includes apples, figs, grapes and plums. Dried fruits, coconut and rhubarb should also be avoided. A few soft fruits, including avocados and bananas, may be permissible.
Meats
Any meats that are not moist and tender should be excluded from a soft food diet, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. This includes any fried meats, such as chicken and fish. It also includes sausage, smoked meats, and cold cuts. Other protein sources, such as fried eggs, seeds, nuts and dried beans should be avoided.
Potatoes
Although some potatoes, such as those that are baked, boiled or mashed, are permissible for those following a soft food diet, most potato dishes should be restricted or avoided, according to the National Institutes of Health. These items include french fries, potato salad and hash browns.
Soups
A soft food diet may include broths, strained vegetable soups, creamed soups and bouillon. However, it should not include split pea soup, chowder, gumbo or onion soup, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website.
Whole Flours and Grains
According to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website, people on a soft food diet may choose products that contain refined flours or grains, such as white bread, white pasta and pastries. However, if you adhere to a soft food diet, you should avoid whole grain pastas, breads and cereals, as well as bread products that contain coconut.
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