Differentiate the modified diets:
1. Regular diet
2. Soft diet
3. Liquid diets
> The difference between regular diet , soft diet and liquid diet is that regular diet are planned
to meet the nutritional needs of adolescents, adults, and geriatric phases of the life span. The
regular diet includes the basic food groups and a variety of foods. The basic food groups include
meat, milk, vegetables, fruits, bread and cereal, fats, and sweets while soft diet is prescribed for
patients unable to tolerate a regular diet. It is part of the progressive stages of diet therapy
after surgery or during recovery from an acute illness. And the diet consists of solid foods that
are prepared without added black pepper, chili powder, or chili pepper. It does not contain
whole grain cereals or salads with raw, fresh fruits and vegetables. Serving sizes are small to
provide a gradual increase in the amount of food from the liquid diet while the liquid diet is
used when a patient is unable to chew or swallow solid food because of extensive oral surgery,
facial injuries, esophageal strictures, and carcinomas of the mouth and esophagus. It may be
used to transition between a clear liquid and a regular diet for the post-surgical patient. The
diet consists of foods, which are liquid at room or body temperature, and will easily flow
through a straw. Included in the full liquid diet are all juices, strained soups, thinned, cooked
cereals, custards, ice cream, sherbet, and milk. A high protein beverage is given at breakfast
and between meals. Commercially prepared liquid supplements may also be used.
Describe the various routine hospital diets
1. The Light Diet
A diet consisting of all foods allowed in a soft diet, plus whole-grain cereals, easily digested raw
fruits, and vegetables. Foods are not pureed or ground. This diet is used as an intermediate
regimen for patients who do not require a soft diet but are not yet able to resume a full diet.
2. The Mechanical Soft Diet
The mechanical soft diet consists of foods soft in texture, moderately low in fiber, and
processed by chopping, grinding or pureeing to be easier to chew. Most milk products, tender
meats, mashed potatoes, tender vegetables and fruits and their juices are included in the diet.
However, most raw fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts and dried fruits are excluded.
3. Finger Food Diet
Finger foods are foods that can be eaten easily with hands instead of cutlery, and offering these
can help prolong independence at mealtimes. Offering finger foods can also help to improve
food intake between meals. Finger foods should be easy to eat by hand and should be served at
a temperature that is safe for the person with dementia i.e. hot (but not hot enough to burn),
cold or at room temperature. People can eat finger foods at their own pace so if takes someone
a long time to eat, serving only foods at room temperature may be best. Finger foods can also
be really helpful for people who find it difficult to sit at a table to eat a meal or who walk a lot.
4. The Cold Liquid Diet
Cold liquid diet also termed as TONSIL diet, is food preparation includes serving cold or iced
liquids. This diet varies depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, age and overall
health status. Usually, patients are instructed to refrain from eating solid foods for a day or two
only since this diet does not provide adequate nutrition.
5. Tube Feedings
> Dysphagia
Feeding tubes can be used to provide nutrition while you're recovering your ability to swallow.
They may also be required in severe cases of dysphagia that put you at risk of malnutrition and
dehydration. A feeding tube can also make it easier for you to take the medication you may
need for other conditions.
