Liquid Diet

Using a straw is sometimes not recommended after certain surgeries. It might be easiest to drink out of a paper cup that can be squeezed to make a narrower opening. Use only sturdy paper cups.

Yogurt drinks and prepared nutrition booster drinks with protein are helpful, keep them in the fridge. If a liquid diet is necessary for more than a day or two, try smooth prepared soups like squash.

Smooth Liquids

If only smooth liquids are tolerated, try pureeing favourite soups in a blender or food processor, using a strainer or cheesecloth to strain out any remaining bits if necessary. 

Chocolate Banana Breakfast Smoothie

If cocoa powder is slightly bitter a bit of sugar improves the flavour. Blend in an ice cube for a frosty smoothie.

Blend:

• 1 medium ripe banana, peeled
• 1 Tbsp good-quality cocoa powder
• 2 cups 2% or whole milk
• 1-2 tsp. sugar

"Egg Drop" (Sort of) Soup

If the chicken broth is unsalted add salt to taste or a dash of soy sauce before blending.

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs

1. Heat chicken broth in a pot over the stove until it comes to a boil.
2. Break the raw eggs into a bowl, discarding shells, then drop the eggs into the hot soup and stir briskly as the eggs cook.
3. Season to taste.
4. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree, or carefully pour the liquid into the bowl of a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth. Soup will be a little foamy.

Quick Beef and Mashed Potato Shake

I first tried boiling finely diced raw peeled potato in beef broth and adding a little salt for more flavour before blending smooth, this was okay. This second version tastes even better and cooks up faster.

• Campbells Beef Broth 
• 1 baking potato, skin on
• 2% or whole milk
• chunk of salted butter

1. Heat 1-2 cups of beef broth in a small saucepan on the stove, bring to a boil then turn down heat to low.
2. Meanwhile, wash potato, pierce skin with a fork on all sides, wrap potato in paper towel or microwavable plastic wrap, microwave until potato is soft (about 3 minutes depending on potato size and microwave.)
3. Carefully remove hot steaming potato from microwave and unwrap. Scoop potato (discarding the skin) into the blender jar. Add a chunk of butter and a generous splash of cold milk.
4. Add the warm beef broth and blend.
5. Taste with a spoon, add salt if needed and blend again.
6. Pour a portion of this frothy beverage into a cup or glass. If there are potato bits remaining at the bottom of the blender jar with the remaining liquid, blend again and serve this thicker drink as seconds.