Discharge Instructions: Eating a Soft, Bland Diet

General guidelines

• Eat in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. How you eat may be as important as what you eat. Don’t rush while eating. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly, and swallow slowly.

• Eat small meals often throughout the day. But don’t eat 3 hours before lying down.

• Think about raising the head of your bed 6 or 9 inches. Wedge pillows let you sleep on an incline and may be helpful.

• Don't eat any foods that cause discomfort.

• Don’t use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Also don't take medicine that contain aspirin. NSAIDs can cause ulcers and delay or prevent ulcer healing.

• Use antacids as needed. But keep in mind that magnesium-containing antacids may cause diarrhea.

• Don't smoke.

Foods to eat

• Cream of wheat and cream of rice

• Cooked white rice

• Mashed potatoes and boiled potatoes without skin

• Plain pasta and noodles

• Plain white crackers (such as no-salt soda crackers)

• White bread

• Applesauce

• Cooked fruits without skins or seeds

• Mild juices, such as apple and grape

• Bananas

• Cooked or mashed vegetables without stems and seeds

  • Carrots

  • Summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash)

  • Winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti squash)

• Cottage cheese

• Mild hard or soft cheeses

• Custard

• Yogurt without seeds or nuts

• Milk (you may need lactose-free milk)

• Ice cream without seeds, nuts, chocolate chips, or toppings

• Smooth peanut butter

• Eggs

• Fish, turkey, chicken, or other lean meat that is not tough or stringy

• Tofu

Foods to stay away from

• Nuts and seeds

• Snack foods, such as the following:

  • Chocolate-containing snacks, candy, pastries, or cakes.

  • Potato chips (plain, barbecued, or other flavors)

  • Taco chips or nachos

  • Corn chips

  • Popcorn, popcorn cakes, or rice cakes

  • Crackers with nuts, seeds, or spicy seasonings

  • French fries

• Fried or greasy foods

• Whole-grain breads, rolls, and crackers

• Breads and rolls with nuts, seeds, or bran

• Bran and granola cereals

• Berries with seeds, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries

• Acidic fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and pineapples

• Raw vegetables

• Mild or hot peppers

• Sauerkraut and pickled vegetables

• Tomatoes or tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, and tomato juice

• Barbecue sauce

• Spicy or flavored cheeses, such as jalapeño and black pepper cheese

• Crunchy peanut butter

• Dried cooked beans, such as pinto, kidney, or navy beans

• The following meats:

  • Fried or greasy meats

  • Processed, spicy meats, such as sausage, bacon, ham, and lunch meats

  • Ribs and other meats with barbecue sauce

  • Tough or stringy meats, such as corned beef or beef jerky

Drinks to stay away from

• Alcohol

• Coffee and regular teas

• Colas and other drinks with caffeine

• Cranberry, orange, pineapple, and grapefruit juice

• Lemonade

• Vegetable juice

• Whole milk, if you are lactose intolerant

• Peppermint

Follow-up

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.