I wouldnt call it cheating I would call it being CONFUSED. I really think you need to trust your body as long as it is still soup then fine. I didnt have a puree stage that was my liquid stage, it went stage one clear fluids which was in the hospital, stage 2 (2-3weeks) was liquids which consisted of soups, yogurts, pudding, Jello, cream based soups, cream of wheat, and some other stuff, Stage 3 (3-6 weeks) soft foods, which contains fish, ground turkey, if meeting Protein I can have mashed potatoes with gravy, stage 4(Rest of my Life) food with recommendations and better options.
I was confused too huni, I just need to get my liquid and protein in, our protein is just crazy compared to anyone without the surgery so it is hard but I know how vital all this is.
Trust your body and as long as you are eating things that are not solid then are fine, my doc said if it can be poured than its ok, he even had the nerves to say a milkshake and at two weeks I took him up on that offer, and it was not pleasant i got two sips in before I started to feel sick, if its not sugar free or low in sugar I am not messing with it.
It gets easier....