What Is a Soft Diet?
A soft diet does not have foods that are hard to chew or swallow. A mechanical soft diet makes foods easier to chew and swallow using a blender or meat grinder.
Why Follow a Soft Diet?
A soft diet is often needed after some types of surgery or illnesses. It may also be needed by people who are having radiation therapy to the head, neck, or belly. A mechanical soft diet may be needed for those having problems chewing or swallowing.
Soft Diet Basics
Foods on a soft diet may be naturally soft. Or they may be mashed, chopped, or cooked until they are soft. Foods that should NOT be eaten include:
- Tough meats
- Raw fruits and veggies
- Chewy or crispy breads
- Nuts and seeds
The doctor may also advise not eating spicy, fried, or gassy foods.
Foods that are allowed can vary from person to person. The doctor or dietitian can advise the types and textures of foods to eat. Use this chart as a guide.
Eating Guide for a Soft Diet
Food Group | Foods You Can Eat | Foods You Cannot Eat |
Grains |
|
|
Veggies |
|
|
Fruits |
|
|
Milk |
|
|
Meats and Beans |
|
|
Fats and Sweets |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Suggestions
Here are some diet tips:
- Use a blender to puree foods, such as soup or fruit.
- Remember to chew foods before you swallow them.
-
To preserve nutrients when cooking foods:
- Steam or microwave veggies.
- When boiling potatoes, peel after cooking.
- Consider working with a dietitian to make the best meal plan for you.
RESOURCES
Eat Right—Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics http://www.eatright.org
Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Dietitians of Canada http://www.dietitians.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Nutrition care manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Available at: https://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed April 7, 2022.
Oral hygeine: performing. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed April 7, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review BoardDianne Scheinberg Rishikof MS, RD, LDN
- Update Date: 04/07/2022