June 18, 2021
Many aging adults, or people with certain medical conditions, may need to eat a soft food diet. Soft foods can help people who have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or people with digestive issues eat a nutritious diet. Eating a well-balanced nutritious diet is important for staying healthy and promoting healing after an injury or operation. How can patients who need a soft food diet get a healthy balanced diet, while avoiding monotonous meals and unappealing foods?
Include Nutrient-Rich Foods That Provide Essential Nutrients and Calories and Promote Healing
One of the most important things you can do when planning a soft food diet is to base each meal on whole nutritious foods. Whole nutritious foods provide the body with the full range of essential nutrients and calories it needs. Include plenty of nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits to ensure proper daily intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Protein is especially important for recovery from an injury or a surgery, as it plays an important role in tissue growth and repair. Foods that are rich in protein include:
- Eggs
- Mashed meats or meats cooked in broth
- Tofu
- Nuts
- Beans
Healthy fats give your body energy, promote cell growth, and help your body absorb essential vitamins and minerals. Examples of foods that have healthy fats include:
- Avocado
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Nuts and seeds
Choose Foods That are Naturally Softer
Many tasty nutritious foods are naturally soft. Choosing whole foods that are naturally soft saves time preparing meals that are easy to chew and digest. Some examples of naturally soft whole foods include:
- Banana
- Avocado
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Cooked beans
Foods to Avoid
In general, it’s best to avoid foods that are dry, hard/crunchy, and tough to chew. Stay away from:
- Raw vegetables
- Fibrous, stringy foods like celery
- Fatty meat
- Snacks like popcorn, chips, and chewy candies like toffee
If you’ve had surgery on your intestines or if you have a gastrointestinal disorder, your doctor may recommend that you avoid foods like:
- Whole grains and other gas-producing foods
- Fried foods
- Greasy foods
- Foods with a lot of spice
Consider Working With a Health Aid
At JSP Home Health Services, our Home Health Aides provide meal planning and preparation services. We prepare each meal according to the specific needs of each patient, and if you have a special meal plan from your physician or dietician, we’re able to create meals for you that fit your plan. To learn more about JSP Home Care Services, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
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