Phase III: Pureed Foods (2 weeks to 3
1/2 weeks after surgery)
Phase I:
Clear Liquids | Phase
II: Full Liquids | Phase
III: Pureed Foods
During this phase of the diet progression,
you will advance to pureed/blended foods.
In order to prevent blockages from a chunk
of food, all foods will be the consistency
of applesauce or smooth mashed potatoes.
You can blend or puree the food yourself,
or you can use baby food.
Instructions for blending/pureeing food:
- Cook the meat, vegetable
or fruit.
- Cut the cooked food
into small pieces.
- Place cut food into
a food processor or blender, adding additional
liquid to cover the blades.
- Blend until a smooth
consistency is achieved. There should
be no chunks.
- Strain out any chunks,
seeds, etc.
- Season to taste, avoiding
spicy seasoning such as cayenne pepper
or hot sauce.
Larger quantities of food can be pureed
at one time and frozen for later use. An
ice cube tray is a handy tool for this.
General Guidelines
- Watch your portion sizes. Your total
meal will be 2 oz (1/4 cup) during this
phase. Half (1 oz) will be a protein source,
and the other half (1 oz) will be a carbohydrate
source.
- Eat 4 meals per day. Have breakfast
within 1 hour of getting up.
- Space your meals throughout the day,
allowing 3-4 hours between meals.
- Always eat your protein source first.
- Do not drink liquids with your meals.
Stop drinking liquids 15-30 minutes (depending
on type of surgery) before meals, do not
drink with your meals and wait an hour
after you finish eating before you start
drinking liquids again.
- Using smaller plates and silverware
can help you enjoy your meals more.
- Take only 15 to 20 minutes to eat your
meals. Take time to enjoy your foods,
noticing the taste and texture of the
food.
- Introduce only one new food at a time.
Some foods may be difficult to tolerate
after the surgery. Introducing only one
new food at a time will allow you to quickly
identify which food may be causing you
trouble. Use a 3-strike rule for foods.
Don't rule it out the first time you try
it.
- Eat a variety of foods. No one food
provides all the nutrition your body needs
for good health.
- You may find that your protein supplement
is necessary to meet your protein goal
each day. This will gradually change as
you advance in the diet progression.
- Staying hydrated is important. Remember
to drink 64-96 oz of fluids each and every
day.
- Continue taking your vitamin and mineral
supplements as directed.
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