Soft Diet, 4 Weeks Post-Op – 6 Weeks Post-Op
Following two weeks of Purees, you will add soft foods for two more weeks. These are foods that you can mash with a fork with ease. You will want to avoid things difficult to digest like tough skins on vegetables.
Guidelines for the Soft Diet phase
Do not eat and drink at the same time. Give at least 30 minutes before eating and at least 30 minutes after before you resume drinking.
Schedule your meals. Setting a timer may be helpful.
You should have three meals and two snacks per day. A protein shake is appropriate as one snack.
Start by portioning out ½ cup.
Eat slowly and avoid distractions like television. Your meal should last about 30 minutes.
Prioritize your protein with every meal and snack!
Appropriate foods to add during the Soft Diet include:
• Moist, flakey fish
• Moist ground meat
• Moist chicken that easily shreds
• Small amounts of peeled, cooked vegetables
• Scrambled eggs or egg substitute
• Low-sugar Yogurt (no chunks or granola added)
• Blended or small curd cottage cheese
• Beans
• Peas
• Lentils
Foods best to avoid during the Soft Diet
• Chunks, seeds, or nuts
• Dry cereal
• Coarse cooked cereal
• Rice
• Nut butters
• Fresh bread
• Fried or spicy foods
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is vital! Be sure you are still sipping water and other low calorie, low-sugar fluids throughout the day when you are not eating. You want to drink at least 48 ounces of hydrating fluids per day.
