If a medical condition or surgical procedure has made it difficult to digest coarse foods, your doctor may suggest a soft food diet. A soft food diet may also help you transition from an all-liquid diet to a regular solid food diet without fear of digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating or abdominal pain. While a soft food diet is not intended to cure health problems, it may help prevent complications and help ensure that your energy and caloric needs are met.
Dairy Products
Dairy products fit well within a soft food diet. Protein in milk, yogurt and cottage cheese promotes tissue repair, physical strength and immune system function, helpful for recovery. As valuable sources of calcium, B-vitamins and vitamin D, they may help prevent or treat nutrient deficiencies. Yogurt and kefir contain probiotics -- beneficial bacteria that may improve digestive health. Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut recommends sticking to mild-flavored cheeses, since spicy cheeses may trigger gas or other digestive symptoms. Since high-fat milk and cheeses contribute saturated fats, choose nonfat and low-fat varieties unless your doctor suggests otherwise. If you don't tolerate dairy products, consume soy-based or other nondairy equivalents.
Cooked Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are top suppliers of antioxidants -- nutrients that boost your body's ability to defend itself and heal from infection and disease. MayoClinic.com recommends cooked fruits and vegetables for people experiencing digestive difficulties associated with the inflammatory bowel disease colitis. Removing the peels from fruits and vegetables often reduces the foods' fiber content, which places less strain on your digestive tract. Cooking softens produce texture. Enjoy steamed, baked or boiled fruits and vegetables of your preference. Additional options include unsweetened apple sauce, fruit smoothies, pure juices, mashed bananas, mashed potatoes -- without spicy seasoning -- and creamy or broth-based vegetable soups. Avoid soups containing coarse foods, such as wild rice and firm pasta or beans.
Soft Breads, Cereals and Pasta
Soft breads, cereals and pasta provide glucose -- your body's primary food-derived energy source. Greenwich Hospital recommends limiting whole grain breads, toast and coarse cereals during the diet and opting instead for white bread and cooked cereals. Choose soft white bread and, for heightened benefits, remove the crust before consumption. If your doctor has suggested soft, fiber-rich foods, instant and old fashioned oatmeal, hot brown rice cereal and well-cooked whole grain pasta are valuable options. Otherwise, choose low-fiber hot cereals and well-cooked enriched or rice-based pasta.
Tender Fish and Meats
Fish and meats provide rich amounts of protein and nutrients that promote positive energy and immune system function, such as zinc, iron and B-vitamins. Choose tender, lean varieties, such as canned, water-packed tuna or salmon and lean tenderloin steak. If the texture is too dense, try blending cooked fish and meat in your food processor. Enjoy blended fish or meat atop soft, white bread or as protein-rich additions to soups or mashed potatoes.
Eggs and Tofu
Eggs and tofu are protein-rich foods with similar consistency and uses. Enjoy eggs scrambled or hard-boiled. To reduce the fat and cholesterol content of eggs, consume the whites only. Tofu also scrambles well and is also edible raw or baked. Consume eggs and/or tofu on their own, as toppings for soft breads or as additions to soft vegetable stir-fry. As naturally low-fiber foods, eggs and tofu suit a soft, fiber-restricted diet.
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