Having trouble chewing and swallowing? It may be from a health condition or injury that makes eating and drinking challenging. But there is a way to make mealtimes both nutritional and more enjoyable. A pureed diet helps those with eating difficulties get the food and nourishment they need.
To follow a vitamin-rich diet, you may need to change the consistency and texture of your foods. You should also learn which foods are safe to eat and what ones you should avoid. Some people experience permanent or temporary eating problems. This is a condition known as dysphagia. A pureed diet is designed to help accommodate the nutritional needs of those having difficulty swallowing.
What is a pureed diet?
Foods that are included in a pureed diet have a uniform “pudding-like” texture. They do not need to be chewed and can be swallowed easily. This texture-modified diet helps preserve the nutrients and taste of foods. And makes them safer to eat. If you have issues with swallowing, it’s important to avoid foods that have seeds, nuts, skins or are stringy like celery. Also make note of breads, muffins and other crumbly foods. These are hard to puree and may need to be avoided.
Common foods in a pureed diet include:
- Yogurt
- Fruit smoothies
- Smooth mashed potatoes
- Pudding, custards, ice cream
- Pureed canned or cooked vegetables and fruits
- Pureed rice, pastas
- Blended beans
- Strained oatmeal, cooked cereal
- Pureed meat and tofu
Uses for a pureed diet
There are many reasons why you may need to follow a pureed diet to help get the nutrition you need. You may only need this diet for a short time if you’ve had an injury or surgery. But if you have had a long-term health condition that affects how you eat and swallow, you may need the diet longer. Many older adults can also experience dysphagia. This means they may need foods with a smooth consistency.
A pureed diet can help people with a variety of conditions, including:
- Dental issues, missing teeth or following oral surgery
- Mouth, throat or esophagus cancer or infection
- Post-bariatric surgery
- Swallowing difficulties from stroke, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions
- Digestive disorders
- Head or neck injury
- During chemotherapy or cancer treatment
- Injury to lips, tongue or parts of the mouth
Mom's Meals® can help
Healthy eating is important, whether you’re recovering from surgery or living with a health condition that affects your eating habits and your ability to take care of yourself. Without being able to get proper nutrition, you can risk malnutrition, weight loss and other complications. Discover more about dysphagia and get helpful tips to help manage this condition.
Convenient pureed meals from Mom's Meals
Mom’s Meals can help you get the well-balanced and delicious meals you need. We have a pureed diet full of easy-to-eat options. And they are delivered to any address nationwide. The pureed menu options provide flavorful meals for any time of the day. They have been designed to meet the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requirement for Dysphagia (Level 1 - Pureed Nutritional Therapy).