Dysphagia Food for Thought
Eating foods we love is an experience that everyone should be able to enjoy. After all, food has connected us and brought us closer together for generations. However, when living with dysphagia (or swallowing impairment), it can be hard to enjoy the experience of eating food and socializing over meals.
Swallowing impairments can manifest differently for different people, depending on the root cause, but the bottom line is the same: eating shifts from a pleasurable experience to a tedious and sometimes scary one. Individuals with a swallowing impairment may have to supplement or fully support their diet with feeding tubes and/or altered food consistencies.
We think it’s important to provide a range of foods that cater to all different types of foodies, including those who are on limited consistencies and diets. Making meals that are flavourful as well as keeping them healthy is a great way to bring enjoyment even when faced with diet restrictions.
We tried some recipes out there and hand picked three for you. We selected these recipes because they are super easy, tasty, and only need 5 or fewer ingredients. Try serving these summer treats on your next menu!
If you have swallowing difficulties and are planning to make these, we recommend ensuring that the final consistency is safe for you (i.e., safe consistency recommended to you by a dysphagia specialist). You can do so by following the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative) framework. The recipes we are sharing typically yield levels 2-3 on the IDDSI framework.
Have a recipe you like and want to share with us? Let us know by getting in touch with us here.
Try out this delightful healthy version of chocolate pudding that is so easy to make with just these 5 ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 banana
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1-2 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tbsp honey (optional)
(Yields 1 serving)
Mix these ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!
This smoothie is the perfect refreshing drink for the summer with just the right amount of sweetness that tastes like a tropical vacation.
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup pineapple
- 200g of coconut yogurt
- 1 cup of coconut milk
(Yields 3 servings)
Mix ingredients in a blender until smooth and enjoy!
This recipe is super simple with just two ingredients, which is perfect for when you want to whip up a quick afternoon summertime snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 mango
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
(Yields 1 serving)
Mix ingredients in a blender until smooth and enjoy!
