Reposted from my older site. Written when I transitioned from pureed food to “mechanical soft” food

Moving from a pureed diet to a "mechanical soft" diet opened up a lot more dining options. After a long period of time when eating out with loved ones was out of the question; I began to think of ways that I could be included in these outings. Refried beans had already been an option for me, so I branched out into the world of easy to swallow Tex-Mex.

Before starting, it should be noted that I follow a pescetarian diet - some describe it as vegetarian but with the addition of seafood and fish (the label varies depending on the culture) - so I can't speak for the meat they serve.

I've found that the best way to order food to specific dietary needs is to order from the Taco Bell website or use their mobile app.

From these platforms, you can view the full menu as well as nutritional facts. Additionally, you can customize every item and automatically see the calories added or subtracted as you customize the item.

When following a mechanical soft diet, it is best to have foods with soft tortillas and avoid crunchier ingredients. Adding sauces, sour cream, and melted cheeses to soften and add moisture to the food. As a bonus, these items often add calories. I've been told that meats are one of the hardest things to swallow, so replacing meat with beans will make it much easier to eat.

Things to avoid

• Lettuce

• Tomatoes

• Pico de Gallo

• Jalopeño peppers

• Romaine lettuce

• Steak

• Hash browns (soft may be fine, but not crispy)

• Tortilla chips

• Hard taco shells and bowls

• Pepper strips

• Rice (it's too hard prepared in this way)

Good Options

• Beans

• Soft tortillas

• Sour cream

• Cheese blend

• All smooth sauces

  • Salsa, if smooth and not chunky

• Cooked, soft vegetables without skins or seeds

• Potatoes

• Guacamole (no chunky tomatoes)

• Ground, shredded, and minced meats that are soft (no personal experience though)

Items I Recommend

• Bean burritos

• Modified burritos and soft wraps

• Soft dessert items

• Quesarito with refried beans in place of meat (personal favorite)

• Bean bowls