I'm transitioning from the soft diet phase+raw fruit/veg to the permanent/solid diet and now that I've hit that mark, I'm kind of blanking on what new foods I might be able to consider eating besides maybe some protein chips. I'm a vegetarian, so not adding any meats-- and I guess I can look at recipes here to come up with fresh ideas. But everything I can think of right now is either "soft" (eggs, yogurt, veggies, beans) or off-limits (high carb). Am I missing something? I'd love to hear from others who have done this whether they found new/exciting additions at this particular stage.

I dunno, I'm not a vegetarian. But what comes to mind is black bean or veggie burgers, without the bun of course. Quinoa, farro and tempeh are complete proteins and tempeh is lower in carbs than quinoa and farro.

Maybe something like this, except with a meat substitute. I've made these before with turkey, they're good. I add fresh pico de gallo instead of jarred salsa.

Sorry I'm not more helpful with vegetarian protein sources.

https://www.skinnytaste.com/turkey-santa-fe-zucchini-boats/

Can you tolerate raw veggies to the point of salads yet? I'm craving a big crisp salad, but it will be weeks before I can attempt that. I was going to suggest tempeh, but WhispersOfAngel already did.

Here's a salad that sounds delicious to me: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/warm-chestnut-and-apple-salad

Edited March 24, 20224 yr by FutureSylph

If you can have salads there are tons of options. I have been trying salads at the various restaurants and tasting their recxomended dressings with them and some are surprisingly good. I of course get chicken on my salads but you could do them without. A couple favorites are Chick-fil-A’s market salad and Wendy’s apple pecan salad. They both have fruit and sweet vinigarette dressings. Two things that I never even tried pre surgery but actually enjoy now. I am a year out and I mostly just eat the toppings off the salad but I have a little of The lettuce mixed in. Usually I am full anyways so I skip the rest of the lettuce.

I thought the same soft food + raw veggies is a contradiction. I didn't do raw veggie or salad until well into the 5 month. I would suggest meat substitutes

As well as the above suggestions what about tofu. Legumes are very versatile. There are great recipes about that use chick peas instead of meat - Jamie Oliver has a heap just google. You will be able to eat cooked vegetables. I was putting onion, celery, tomato, mushrooms, carrots, capsicum, zucchini, etc. in lots of dishes from soft foods like omelettes, stews, mince dishes, soups, etc. Once in solid foods I could eat steamed green beans, cabbage & cauliflower & then other vegetables in time (my tummy was fussy at first).

Edited March 25, 20224 yr by Arabesque