The Soft Diet

RHIANNON BARNES – Dietitian-Nutritionist
BchHlthSc(Nut&Diet), APD, AN

MIDBAND Soft Diet
This food texture includes moist foods which are either naturally soft, or require minimal cutting and can be easily broken down by a fork! The addition of sauce or gravy may be required to increase the moisture content of the meal to assist with passing through the band. Food should be easily broken into pieces no larger than 1cm x 1cm. Even though the texture of this diet is ‘soft’, you will still need to chew your food well to avoid any blockages. The chewing mechanism also enables the food to mix with saliva to aid better digestion.

It is essential that texture modified diets, such as this ‘soft’ diet, are well balanced. Choose a variety of foods from each of the five food groups. This will ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. If you notice your bowel motions are not as regular as normal, you may need a fibre supplement such as Metamucil, or Benefibre.

Sample meal plan

NOTE: Serve sizes for main meals are ~ ½ cup volume

Breakfast :

• Cereal (without dried fruit or nuts) and skim milk
• Scrambled (on skim milk, no butter) or poached eggs
• Small pieces of soft fruit with yoghurt

Lunch :

• Quiche with well cooked vegetables
• ½ soft sandwich (no crusts, no butter/marg) on white hi-fibre bread
• Casserole with well cooked vegetables

Dinner :

• Casserole or stew with well cooked vegetables
• Fish or mince with a sauce and well cooked vegetables
• Well cooked rice or pasta dishes with a sauce

Morning Tea & Afternoon Tea :

• Soft fruit or fruit smoothie made on skim milk
• Yoghurt (without dried fruit or nuts)

Fluids :

• 500mL skim milk
• Water
• Zero calorie fluids eg. diet cordial

Soft Diet Food Group Guide