Swallowing is an important part of everyday life, but swallowing can become difficult for many people as they age. This can be due to a variety of factors, including dental issues, muscle weakness or spasms in the throat and mouth, and difficulty with chewing and swallowing foods that are too big or large. If you have difficulty swallowing or feel like your food is taking longer than usual to go down your throat, then try some of these easy-to-digest foods.
1. Scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs are a versatile food that can be made with milk or water. They are soft, easy to chew, and easy to digest. They’re also rich in protein, a nutrient that helps build muscles and tissues.
2. Applesauce Mousse
Applesauce is a good source of fiber, which can help ease swallowing difficulties by softening food in your mouth. Applesauce is also easy to digest, making it an ideal food for people with swallowing difficulties. Applesauce contains vitamins and minerals that may be beneficial to overall health and well-being. You can use Simply Thick instant food thickener to thicken the applesauce if it’s too thin, making it a little easier to eat.
3. Butternut Squashed Recipes
Butternut squash is a great food for those with swallowing difficulties because it’s easy to chew, digest, and taste. You can eat it raw or cooked. If you prefer to cook your butternut squash, try roasting it in the oven with olive oil and salt. Butternut squash is also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. It’s best served as a soup or pureed into a smoothie if eating it whole isn’t working for you.
4. Slow-Cooked and Pureed Meats
Slow-cooked and pureed meats are great meals for those with swallowing difficulties because they are easy to chew and swallow. The secret to slow cooking meals is to cook them in a Crockpot on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. If you want your meat to be tender, you can add some liquid, like water or broth. Once the meat is done, you can mash it with a fork, or blend it in a blender until it’s smooth and creamy, making it easy to swallow and digest.
5. Steamed Veggies
Steamed vegetables are great meals for those who have swallowing difficulties and give nutrients that your body needs. Vegetables that are steamed are cooked with steam, which means they are cooked in water or other liquids, making them much easier to chew. Additionally, by steaming vegetables, instead of boiling or sautéing them, you’ll retain more of their nutrients, meaning that not only will you be getting a good amount of fiber, but also vitamins and minerals that can help with digestion.
6. Broth Soups
Broth soups are made for meat stocks and vegetable broths, making them high in protein and fiber. They also contain a lot of liquid, which makes it easier for someone with swallowing difficulties to swallow. The broth itself is also very soft and easy to chew.
Conclusion
The most important thing is to remember that you can have confidence in the foods you eat. If something doesn’t work for you, try another food or a different preparation method. There are so many ways to eat healthy, nutritious food without worrying about choking, and these six items are just a few examples.
