Soft Foods
In addition to the liquid and pureed options, ground meats, flaky fish, eggs, low-fat cheese, and soft deli meats can now be used to help you reach your protein goal. At this stage, it is important to learn to take very small bites and chew food to a paste-like consistency before swallowing. Be sure to take a few small bites, pause and check your body signals for acceptance. Stay away from untoasted bread, rice, pasta and solid meats like steak, roast, pork chops, chicken breast, etc. Some favorite high-protein soft foods are:
▪ Soft, flaky fish;
▪ Ground meats;
▪ Pizza tortilla (flour tortilla heated in non-stick pan on medium-high heat, topped with pizza sauce, low-fat mozzarella cheese, and finely diced ham until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted);
▪ Mexican tortilla (flour tortilla heated in non-stick pan on medium-high heat, topped with refried beans, seasoned ground beef or turkey, and low-fat shredded cheddar cheese until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted);
▪ Soft deli meat (lean turkey, chicken, or ham) finely diced. Add some shredded low fat cheese if desired;
▪ Most soups;
▪ Cottage cheese, low-fat cheeses, light cheese sauces;
▪ Crackers topped with tuna salad, chicken salad or hummus;
▪ Eggs, scrambled, fried in non-stick pan, hard boiled, or egg salad;
▪ Soft cooked vegetables, soft fruits, toasted bread and crackers.
