After certain medical procedures and during the recovery process of surgery, a medical soft diet is often recommended. The diet typically comes after you are able to tolerate liquids without any side effects and before consuming your regular diet. According to Drugs.com, these foods are often chopped, pureed, mushed and moist. Typical foods should be easy to chew and swallow. The website suggests adding as much variety to your diet as possible to keep meals appetizing and interesting. Consult with your medical doctor or dietitian if you have questions about how to best prepare soft foods.
Function
A variety of medical conditions may require a soft diet. If you have recently undergone throat, mouth or other types of oral surgery, soft foods may be your diet for several days to weeks. Patients recovering from surgery must allow the digestive system to return to normal and eating normal foods may be uncomfortable and too much work for your body. Soft foods allow for a gradual return to normal foods when in the post-operative recovery process. Some patients suffer from chewing problems and are at risk of aspirating foods into their lungs, requiring a soft diet.
Meats and Protein
Soft, tender meats such as poultry, veal and lamb are suggested. Tender cuts of beef and boneless fish are often soft enough to enjoy on a soft diet. These meats may be pureed or chopped into smaller bits and enjoyed with gravy. Do not eat difficult to chew meats such as beef jerky, fish with bones, hot dogs or sausage, advises Drugs.com. Dairy products such as ice cream, yogurt and smoothies include protein as well as calcium and vitamin D. However, do not consume dairy products with large chunks of fruit or nuts.
Fruits and Vegetables
When on a soft diet, do not eat raw fruits and vegetables. However, they can be enjoyed when cooked, steamed or from a can. Refrain from eating fruits or vegetables with skins or seeds, according to UCLA Health System. Drugs.com also states raspberries, pineapple and crisp fruits such as apples should be avoided. However, applesauce, soft bananas, cooked fruits and melon cubes may be enjoyed. Vegetables should not include corn or peas. When eating regular or sweet potatoes, always peel off the skin before mashing.
Breads and Grains
Soft breads include waffles, pancakes and rolls. Avoid bread made from wheat, and choose white or refined breads instead, because they are easier to digest. Refined rice as well as pasta are recommended. Dry cereal, without dried fruit and nuts, may be enjoyed. Soften cereal by adding milk. Hot breakfast cereals such as oatmeal and other cooked cereals are also easy to swallow. Sweeten with soft fruit, syrup or honey.
Extra Diet Guidelines
Soft diets are prescribed for specific medical reasons. Depending on your condition, you may have additional food restrictions. Follow all your doctor's orders and do not consume foods not on your specific soft food diet list. If you are unsure if you should eat a specific food, call your medical doctor for additional advice. Not following your soft diet may cause increased medical complications. The University of Michigan Health Systems suggests avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
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