Some basics
Things to get
- A really good blender - see recommendations in FAQ
- A strainer - one with fine mesh is best
- A water pik
- A smoothie recipe book
- A mouthwash (like Biotene) and plaque rinse (like Plax) to use daily
Things you can eat
| Food | How | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Smoothies | Makes these in your blender. There are many good recipe books and even recipes on line. Some smoothie recipes are provided here. | After blending, some recipes require straining so that pieces don't get caught in your teeth.
Extra: I have been told that the Vita-Mix is so good at liquifying foods that additional straining may not be necessary. |
| Nutritional Drinks | Ensure (and generic brands), Muscle Milk | These are good to take when you are travelling because they don't need to be refrigerated. A cheaper alternative is to make an Instant Breakfast drink. These are a great vitamin source. |
| Milk Shakes | Makes these in your blender. Ice cream and milk. Mix in a banana or some chocolate syrup for a little variety. | Generally, use plain ice cream. Things with chocolate chips or nuts don't blend well. |
| Baby Food | From the grocery store. Only buy Level 1 and Level 2 and warm them in the microwave. Then you can slurp these off a spoon. | Favorite: Peach cobbler. I personally couldn't gag down the meats, but it might work for you. The pasta foods were pretty good. (Macaroni and cheese.) |
| Regular Food | With a Vita-Mix or TotalBlender you can liquify just about anything: chicken, veggies, nuts, spinach, etc. See their websites. | Here are recipes for the Vita-Mix.
I found it easier to search for recipes when the "Liquid Diet" option is NOT selected. |
| Yogurt/Pudding | Just slurp these off a spoon. | Stick to the smooth and creamy types without any chunks of fruit. Dannon's la Creme are very smooth and probably the best tasting yogurt you will ever have! Yumbo! |
| Soup | Put these in the blender too, then warm them up in the microwave. | Some soups will require straining. I had a lot of success with Campbell's Chunky soups. |
| Canned Veggies | Put these in the blender and warm them up in the microwave. | Like soup, these may require straining. (Tip from Donna I.) |
| Mashed Potatoes | Boil potatoes until very tender, then put in blender with extra milk and butter. Warm in the microwave. | For more flavor and variety, try adding cheese and/or bologna. (Tip from Grace K.) |
| Canned Chili (no beans) | Puree in the blender and warm up in the microwave. | Optional: mix in sour cream and/or cheese sauce. (Tip from Wally) |