This stage provides a bridge between puree and normal foods and allows you to practice the behaviours that will result in a good long-term weight loss.

Advice you are given is….

• If you experience discomfort try to work out where you went wrong. Did you eat too much? eat too fast? or not chew thoroughly?
• Initially foods will be better tolerated if they are soft and wet. Adding gravy or sauces will help
• Use the fork test to check textures. If your fork passes easily through the food then the texture is correct for this stage. If you have to force the fork through its probably next stage food and should be avoided at this stage.

What do you eat?

At this stage these are examples of the type of food you can enjoy.

Breakfast

Any of the following…

• 3/4 weetabix
• scrambled egg on 1/2 slice toast
• 4 tbs cornflakes

Lunch

Any of the following…

• Baked Beans
• Ravioli
• Omelette with cheese
• 1/2 jacket potato with tuna or cheese
• Chunky soup
• Cauliflower cheese

Dinner

A balanced meal of protein, vegetable and potato. This should consist of…

• 4 tbs meat/fish casserole
• 1 tbs soft vegetables
• 1 tbs mashed potato

Snacks

You should have three times a day from selection below.

• Soft Fruit (no skins)
• Yoghurt
• Soft cheese and 1-2 crackers
• Pate and 1-2 melba toast
• Hummus and 1-2 rice cakes

Supplements.

Vitamins calcium and iron are all prescribed and you will be sent home from hospital with these. Any other medication or supplements are very person specific.