So I thought this was a relevant topic given the upcoming holiday weekend. I'm going to a cookout Friday night and not sure what to eat. I'm still on the soft food phase but at my last appointment was told I could start real food in about 10 days (which would be this Sunday). Do I push it and try to eat meat 2 days early or just stick to soft foods? So far, all I can think of is deviled eggs, baked beans and potato salad.

I would skip the meat and enjoy the soft sides. Be very careful and really really chew chew chew up everything. The meat may or may not work for you right now, but I just think its better to try meat at home first. You have more control over making sure it is not overcooked and a quality cut.

My DH is BBQing steaks for us today and I will eat some, but I bought the meat for us and chose filet mignon. I find even NY steak (which is still a good cut of meat) can have stringy bits that don't work w/the band. Only the best meat for me now! LOL

Also, when you try meat for the first time, you will want to cut it up really really small. That's hard to do at a cookout w/hamburgers and hot dogs.