Who Needs a Mechanical Soft Diet?
Some foods, such as pudding, are safe for a mechanical soft diet as is.
Other foods, like vegetables, require a little more work.
Paula Connelly / istock
Some produce, like avocado, is ready to eat as-is.
Mash or puree other fruits and veggies, just remember to remove any seeds first.
Prepackaged frozen produce is convenient and often softer right out of the package.
Try tossing in mushy fruit like bananas instead.
Soft bread can be used to make sandwiches with egg, chicken, or tuna salad.
Avoid toasting bread or choosing varieties with hard, crispy crusts, such as sourdough.
Crackers, cereals, and crunchy cookies can be softened with water or milk (slurried).
Protein:Meat is allowed on a mechanical soft diet with special prep.
Remove fat or gristle and cook the meat until tender.
Chop fine and use gravy and sauce to moisten the meat and help prevent it from becoming tough.
Ground meat can also be pureed.
Soften canned tuna with mayonnaise or water.
Avoid any sticky, chewy, or crunchy candies like caramels, licorice, and lollipops.
Talk to your healthcare team to ensure that your body is getting what it needs.
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