I'm a 19-year-old girl who had an operation on my jaw three weeks ago. I have to be on a soft-food/liquid diet for another four weeks, but lately I've been feeling run down and I doubt my diet is balanced. Are there any specific things I should be eating/doing to boost my energy levels and stay healthy?
Published: 9 July 2008
It can be overwhelming to have to "suck in" the volume of liquids needed to meet your needs — some people just feel water logged and tired!
Firstly, you will need to think of your fluid balance — at least two litres or eight cups of liquids each day. Less desirable fluids are those with no nutrients, such as diet drinks, tea and coffee.
Allow room in your tummy for the "meal" rather than too much water. Each "meal" should contain protein like milk, yoghurt, cheese, tofu, beans, lentils, egg, fish, chicken or meat. Add a thick gravy to process meats. Try adding tomato sauce, mayonnaise, yoghurt, French onion dip, avocado and tahini. They will help create a suitable texture as well as add flavor.
Maybe you haven't eaten red meat meals and are feeling a little iron depleted, especially after having lost some blood in the surgery. A casserole like minced and pureed lamb shanks will taste great and should be soft enough.
Each meal should also contain carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and cereals.
Here are some meal suggestions:
- Rolled oats cooked in milk, with almond and grated pears added in the cooking process
- Lamb shank casserole with cooked tomatoes, carrots, spinach and mashed potato
- Fruit smoothie
- Scrambled tofu or egg with baby spinach leaves and diced, skinless tomatoes
- Lentil and pumpkin soup
- Salmon, baby peas and leek risotto (add extra white sauce if you want to)
- Pate and grated cucumber finger sandwiches without crust
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