A soft food diet involves eating foods that require little to no chewing. A soft diet does not have to be limited to gelatin and baby food, though. With a little creativity, you can eat a wide variety of foods on a soft diet. Many of these foods require little effort to prepare.
Purpose
Your doctor may prescribe a soft diet following a surgical procedure or tooth extraction. People who are recovering from treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy--especially to the head, neck and abdomen--may also follow a soft diet. A soft diet is ideal if you are weak from illness or treatment because you do not have to exert energy chewing, notes Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastrointerology, based in Pennsylvania. Sometimes, a soft diet is recommended to patients who are suffering from digestive distress as many soft foods are easier on the stomach.
Types of Soft Diet
Two types of soft diets are prescribed: a soft diet or a mechanical soft diet. While a soft diet restricts spicy foods, fats and dishes with a lot of seasoning, a mechanical soft diet simply discourages foods that are hard to chew. The name "mechanical" is derived from the kitchen tools you can use to make the diet soft--such as blenders and meat grinders. A mechanical soft diet requires you to change the consistency of food, not the actual ingredients. A soft diet might be indicated after surgery, while a mechanical soft diet may be prescribed after having your wisdom teeth out.
Foods to Avoid
Raw fruits and vegetables are too fibrous for both types of a soft diet. Chewy breads, particularly those containing nuts, seeds or dried fruits, are also off limits notes Drugs.com. Crunchy snacks such as popcorn, chips, crackers and course granolas are hard to make soft. Any casseroles or soups with lots of seasoning or large pieces will be too challenging to eat on a soft diet. Beef jerky, stringy meats, bacon, sausage and hard-boiled eggs are other foods to avoid because they are challenging to chew. Foods that cause gas, like broccoli and cauliflower, are also discouraged if the soft diet is prescribed following surgery.
Food Ideas
Pureed soups, puddings, smooth yogurts, mashed potatoes and smoothies are typical soft diet food options. You may be able to tolerate pancakes softened with syrup, soft-boiled eggs, and some creamed rice or wheat cereals. Crackers and cereals may be eaten if you let them soak in soup or milk for a few minutes until soft enough to swallow. Very soft white breads without crust may be spread with light cream cheese or mild dips made with pureed white beans or chick peas. Canned fruits, baked beans and moist ground meat are other options.
Preparation Techniques
Use a blender to soften fruits, and add juice to assist in their breakdown. A food processor or hand blender purees chunky vegetable soups and pot pie fillings. Cooking foods like pasta or rice until they are slightly mushy makes them tolerable on a soft food diet. Dice meats into one-quarter inch cubes or enjoy it ground, says Drugs.com.
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