Your doctor may put you on a mechanical soft diet if you have difficulty swallowing or chewing. All foods allowed in this diet are either chopped or mashed using kitchen utensils and appliances, such as blender or meat grinder. Only follow this specialized diet under the supervision of a health care provider. A registered dietitian can recommend a full list of acceptable foods under a mechanical soft diet.
Diet Significance
A mechanical soft diet is intended to provide nutrition for people who have a variety of oral problems; head, neck or mouth ailments; or patients who are too weak to eat regular food. A mechanical soft diet can also be helpful if you're recovering from chemotherapy or radiation treatments. This diet provides a variety of nutritious foods to provide adequate amounts of essential vitamins, minerals and calories and prevent malnourishment. Eventually, you can transition from a mechanical soft diet to a regular diet, once you have fully recovered.
Acceptable Foods
Blend nutritious foods together to the desired texture and consistency. All meats, poultry and fish can be well-cooked, chopped and then moistened with liquids to promote swallowing. Other acceptable high-protein foods include scrambled eggs, smooth peanut butter and low-fat dairy products. You can also eat fruits and vegetables as long as they are soft, cooked, canned or pureed. Some healthy options include applesauce, bananas, berries, peeled apples, fresh lettuce, tomatoes and potatoes. You can also include some grains, such as soft breads, cooked cereals, cooked pasta, refined rice and crackers. Season food with condiments and seasonings such as herbs, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise, as long as your doctor gives you the OK and you tolerate them.
Liquids
Blend liquids together with food to make it easier to swallow. Typical blending liquids include fruit and vegetable juices, broth, soup, vegetable oil, sour cream and gravy. You can eat softer foods alone, such as low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, custards and puddings. Or, you can mix them with solid foods.
Considerations
The main foods to avoid include nuts, seeds, tough meats, whole grains, hard breads, dried fruits and raw vegetables. However, you may find it easier to chew certain foods over others, so food tolerance will vary. If you are experiencing constipation while on this diet, gradually add bran or whole-grain cereal to your foods to increase fiber content, recommends The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Center. Consume six smaller meals instead of only three larger meals throughout the day and choose nutritious snacks only.
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