Wednesday, 24 August 2011 20:34
EVG Q&A: Post-Surgery Diet - Low Fiber Vegan Foods w/ Lots of Protein & No Soy
Question:
My mother in law just has surgery and has a new diet that we are having problems with satisfying. She is on a protein diet, but due to her health issues she cannot digest animal proteins. We have tried tofu and other soy products, but she has developed an intolerance to soy. She can do small quantities of soy, but items like Ensure and protein bars are out of the question. To add to the mix, the other problem is she can not digest anything with high fiber. No veggies, even if they are cooked down to nothing. I thought of beans, but am not sure how her system will react as I understand they are high in fiber. I am running out of ideas on how to get enough nutrition into her diet. Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas?
Answer:
Wow, that's a tough one, but I like the challenge! The last thing anyone wants after surgery is hospital food, so let's figure out how to make something really good for her! I did some research and these are animal-free foods that are generally safe to eat post-surgery (even suitable for those suffering from IBS, gastroparesis, or cancer.) *Foods with stars next to them contain a significant amount of protein
- *Seitan (wheat meat)
- Enriched white bread, rolls, *bagels and english muffins (without seeds)
- White rice
- *Plain white pasta
- Corn polenta
- Rice cakes
- Crackers (not whole grain)
- Pretzels
- Fruit and vegetable juice - no pulp
- Cooked carrots, *potatoes, asparagus tips, green beans, beets, acorn squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, puréed spinach, and tomatoes - remove any skins before cooking
- Avocado
- Ripe olives
- *Lentils (have fiber, but are often easier to eat than other legumes)
- Applesauce
- Baked and peeled apples
- Canned fruit (peeled): peaches, pears, plums and apricots
- *Creamy peanut butter
- Clear jelly
- Tea
- Rice milk
- Cereals like Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes and Special K
- Popsicles
- Rice-based "ice cream" (Rice Dream makes a really good one)
- Condiments: soy sauce, vinegar, cooking oil
Not a healthy diet long term, but combining these foods can result in a filling meal. There are so many options, but here are some ideas:
- Seitan on it's own is really tasty, especially when marinated in soy sauce. Also makes great sandwiches
- Bagel or english muffin with jelly
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Rice and veggies, with a little soy sauce
- Rice and lentils
- Veggie sushi - rice and avocado
- Polenta with avocado and other veggies
- Rice cakes with peanut butter
- Tea with rice milk
- Cereal with rice milk
- An EVG reader suggested Kitcheri because it's easy-to-digest, healing comfort food. 1 c basmati, 1 c mung dahl, 6 c water, 1 tbsp coconut oil, and a handful of cilantro tossed in. You can add water and cook it until it's really really soft and porridge like, and make it even easier to digest.
Do you have any more suggestions? Leave them in the comment section below.