1. After 1-2 weeks on the Full Liquid diet, you will be able to SLOWLY add foods of a thicker consistency. All foods for the next 2 weeks will be BLENDED to a BABY FOOD consistency.
2. You can continue to include foods on the full liquid diet throughout this stage.
3. It is very important to CHEW foods thoroughly to avoid blockage or nausea. Try 1-2 Tbsp of food at a time to see if tolerated. Each meal should consist of only 2-4 Tbsp (1/8 – ¼ cup of food).
4. Remember to always include PROTEIN FIRST at each meal. You need a minimum of 60 grams of protein each day.
5. Keep yourself hydrated! Drink 6-8 cups of water and low calorie beverages between meals. Fat free or 1% milk can be included as part of your total fluid intake.
6. Continue to keep track of the kind and amount of protein you eat every day.
The following are examples of foods from each food group that should be included on the Puree (Blended) Diet.
The meat and the milk group include food choices that are “complete” proteins. “Complete” proteins contain all the essential amino acids your body needs. Food choices from the starch, fruit, and vegetable groups are not “complete” proteins and should only be used with foods from the milk and meat group.
Meat Group (7 grams protein per serving)
2 Tbsp (1 ounce) cooked pureed lean meats (chicken, fish, turkey are best tolerated)
¼ cup (2 ounce) baby food meats
¼ cup fat free or 1% pureed cottage cheese
¼ cup low fat pureed ricotta cheese
Milk Group (8 grams protein per serving)
1 cup fat free or 1% milk
¾ cup no sugar added/low fat “lite” yogurt (no fruit pieces)
1 cup sugar free pudding made with fat free or 1% milk
1 packet of no sugar added instant breakfast made with fat free or 1% milk (12 grams of protein)
1 cup strained cream soup made with milk (no tomato, no mushroom or corn pieces)
Starch Group (3 grams protein per serving)
½ cup cream of wheat/rice/baby oatmeal
½ cup mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash
1 cup broth based soup
Fruit Group (0 grams protein per serving)
½ cup pureed peaches, apricots, pears, melon, banana (no skins or seeds)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup baby food fruits
½ cup diluted unsweetened fruit juice (limit to 1 serving a day)
Vegetable Group (2 grams protein per serving)
½ cup pureed carrots, green beans (no skins or seeds)
½ cup baby food vegetables
Important Tips:
1. You may need to add fat free milk, clear broths, or fat free gravies to the above foods and use a blender to make the foods a BABY FOOD consistency.
2. Add non-fat powdered milk or acceptable protein powders to your foods to boost protein amount.
3. Try one new food at a time. If you feel nauseated or experience gas or bloating after eating, then you are not ready for this food. Wait a few days before trying this food again.
4. Portions may need to be adjusted depending on your individual tolerance. Listen to your body. Stop when you feel full.
