Soft Diet Description

by Elle Paula, Demand Media

A soft diet omits foods that are difficult to chew or swallow. Most foods allowed on a soft diet are naturally soft. Foods that are slightly tougher can be softened by mashing, chopping, pureeing or cooking. Although the basics of the soft diet are similar, the specific foods you are allowed to eat may vary depending on the reason you are on the diet. Work with your doctor or dietitian to determine which foods you can have and which you should avoid.

Reasons for a Soft Diet

Your doctor or dietitian may recommend a soft diet following surgery or illness. Those undergoing radiation therapy to the head, neck or abdomen may also benefit from a soft diet. A soft diet may also be beneficial for people who have difficulty chewing or swallowing, due to a lack of teeth or throat cancer, for instance. Following a soft diet helps diminish fatigue between meals since it reduces the amount of chewing and decreases any pain or swelling that may follow chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Foods to Consume

While on a soft diet, you may consume plain cereal, refined bread, pasta, plain white rice and soft-cooked vegetables. Soft, skinless raw fruits, cooked and canned fruits, milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, creamy peanut butter, tender meats, ice cream and pudding are also allowed. Chew all foods well before swallowing or use a blender to puree them until they reach a tolerable consistency.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid whole grain bread, crackers, wild rice, whole grain rice, raw vegetables, dried fruits and fruits with the skin. Stay away from deli meats, bacon, shellfish, nuts, seeds, popcorn, fried food and any food item that contains seeds, nuts, dried fruit or other hard pieces. Your doctor or dietitian may also recommend that you avoid spicy or gas-forming foods, such as beans and cabbage, depending on your condition.

Nutritional Concerns

Soft diets are generally low in fiber, so over time, this can lead to constipation. The Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service suggests drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, consuming prune juice regularly and adding a small amount of unprocessed bran into soup, cereals or drinks to reduce the risk of constipation. If these measures don’t help, your doctor or dietitian may recommend a fiber supplement. Soft diets are often low in calories, so they can lead to unintentional weight loss. Increase calorie intake by adding sauce, gravy, melted cheese, cream or oil to meals. Use milk in soups and desserts instead of water and consume several snacks between meals.

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