Complete Blenderized Diet

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is a complete blenderized diet?

A complete blenderized diet contains only foods that have been blended with liquids. You may need a blenderized diet if you cannot chew or swallow solid food. You may also need to thicken liquids. Your dietitian will tell you what consistency of liquids you may have.

How do I prepare the food?

Use a blender or food processor. Foods may be easier to blend if you cut them into small pieces first. Mix equal amounts of solid food and liquid. Some examples of liquids you can use are milk, fruit juice, and vegetable juice. The liquids should not have chunks or pulp. For example, blend 1 cup of cooked pasta with 1 cup of vegetable juice. If you are blending fruits or vegetables, you can use less liquid. Pour the blended food through a strainer to remove chunks, seeds, and fiber. This will help prevent choking.

Which foods should I include?

• Breads, cereals, rice, and pasta:
  • Breads or crackers without nuts
  • Cooked, enriched cereals such as grits
  • Cooked rice, pasta, or noodles
• Soft fruits and vegetables:
  • Cooked or canned fruits and vegetables without skins or seeds
• Meat and other protein sources:
  • Cooked, tender beef, chicken, pork, or turkey
  • Infant strained meats (baby food)
  • Boiled or poached eggs
  • Cooked legumes such as split peas or split lentils without the hull (outer covering)
• Desserts:
  • Smooth custard, pudding, or yogurt
• Fats:
  • Butter, margarine, or oil
  • Cream cheese or cheese sauce
  • Salad dressing
  • Smooth sauces or gravy
• Other liquids and foods: Ask your dietitian if you need to thicken the following:
  • Milk, juice, coffee, tea, soda, or nutrition supplements
  • Desserts such as shakes, ice cream, sherbet, or plain gelatin
  • Tomato paste or sauce
  • Blended, strained soup stock or cream soups

Which foods should I limit or avoid?

• Breads, cereals, rice and pasta:
  • Whole-grain breads, dry cereals and crackers with nuts or seeds, and oatmeal
• Fresh fruits and vegetables:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables with skin and seeds
• Meat and other protein sources:
  • Sausages, hot dogs, and other meats with skin
  • Chicken or turkey skin
  • Any fish fillet that may still have pieces of bone
  • Tough meat with a lot of gristle
  • Nuts, seeds, and crunchy peanut butter
• Desserts:
  • Cookies, pies, and pastries
  • Yogurt with fruit
• Other foods:
  • Popcorn and sticky foods
  • Jams and jellies with chunky pieces of fruit or seeds

What other guidelines should I follow?

• Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups. Eat 6 to 8 small meals each day to get enough calories and nutrients. You may need to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement if you do not get all the nutrients you need. These can be crushed and added to blenderized food.
• Rinse your mouth with water after each meal. This will help to prevent infections and problems with your teeth.
• You may store blenderized foods in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or place them in the freezer.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• You cough or choke when you eat.
• You are losing weight without trying.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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