A soft diet is generally prescribed by medical professionals for patients who have had surgery on their mouth, stomach, or neck. Additionally, a soft diet is used to prepare your body for surgery or to make eating easier when you have problems chewing or swallowing solid food. Even if you are required to consume only soft foods, you don't necessarily have to sacrifice good nutrition. In fact, if you are consuming a soft diet due to a medical condition, good nutrition is even more important than ever, to facilitate healing.
Proteins
Proteins are made of amino acids, which are used by your body to repair and build tissue. If you're eating a soft diet, dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese provide protein, according to Wake Surgical. Additionally, lean, tender types of meat, cheese, eggs and tofu are excellent sources of protein. If you are watching fat or cholesterol too, choose low or non-fat yogurt, cheeses and egg whites, rather than yolks. Nutritional supplement shakes can also provide a source of protein and can be used to replace meals if your ability to chew or swallow is compromised or your appetite is poor.
Fruits
Fruits, particularly of the citrus variety, are a good source of vitamin C, which is used by your body to build skin and connective tissue. When eating a soft diet, Drugs.com recommends that you consume canned and packaged pureed or well-blended fruits like applesauce. Make sure the fruits you choose don't contain large pieces or seeds. If you have access to a blender or food processor, you can blend foods like pear slices into a more palatable form. Wake Surgical adds that most fruit juices are permitted on a soft diet, as long as they don't contain seeds or large pieces of rind.
Vegetables
Like fruits, vegetables are a good source of phytonutrients like iron and vitamin C. Wake Surgical suggests that if you're eating a soft diet, choose vegetables that are cooked or canned. Additionally, Drugs.com explains that people eating a soft diet should avoid vegetables that have the skin intact or have seeds, such as cucumbers. Canned and well-cooked fresh and frozen vegetables can be made smoother by using a food processor or blender. If a vegetable has strings, such as corn or celery, remove them prior to cooking.
Beverages and Desserts
It's always important to stay properly hydrated but it's especially important when you are preparing for or recovering from surgery or illness. If you are restricted to a soft diet, most beverages are well tolerated, according to Wake Surgical. Some individuals may find that carbonated beverages cause discomfort and if so, should be avoided. If you are on a soft diet, don't drink alcohol, as it can interact with medications or existing medical conditions. Recommended desserts for a soft diet are flavored gelatin, puddings, custard, smooth ice cream and frozen flavored ices.
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