Dietary Order Descriptions The following are brief descriptions of possible diet orders: NPO Diet: This diet means “nothing by mouth”. It is designed to rest the digestive tract. You may be NPO if you are having certain tests or surgery. FOODS ALLOWED: None. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: All. CLEAR LIQUID Diet: To provide a diet of clear liquids only. This diet is usually for short-term use. Used pre and post operatively and/or for digestive disturbances, such as nausea, diarrhea, etc. FOODS ALLOWED: Broth, gelatin, clear juices such as apple, grape and cranberry, clear soda, Popsicle, tea. FOOD NOT ALLOWED: All others. FULL LIQUID Diet: Same diet as Clear Liquid with milk and milk products added. FOODS ALLOWED: Strained cream soups, strained cereals, milk, pudding, ice cream are added. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: All others. REGULAR Diet: A diet with no restrictions that provides adequate calories, protein and nutrients to meet most every patient’s nutritional requirements. FOODS ALLOWED: All. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: None. SOFT Diet: A diet restricted in fiber consisting of foods soft in texture that are easily chewed and digested. FOODS ALLOWED: Soft foods, bland foods, canned fruit, cooked vegetables, soft breads, cream/broth soups. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: Most hard foods, fresh/raw vegetables, nuts. MECHANICAL SOFT Diet: A diet providing foods mechanically altered (as in a blender) for patients having difficulty chewing and swallowing. FOODS ALLOWED: Ground or chopped meats, soft cooked vegetables, soft or canned fruits. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: Whole meats, most fresh/raw fruits and vegetables, nuts. PUREED Diet: A diet providing blenderized foods for patients having chewing or swallowing problems. FOODS ALLOWED: Pureed meats, vegetables, fruits, cereals, strained cream soups, ice cream, pudding. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: Solid/whole foods. LOW SODIUM Diet: A diet restricted in the amount of sodium (salt) consumed. The diet is intended to prevent excessive fluid retention and may help control high blood pressure. Often ordered for heart and kidney patients. FOODS ALLOWED: Unsalted crackers, low sodium soups, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, foods prepared without added salt. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: Highly processed convenience foods. For example, regular canned soups, processed meats (bacon, ham, sausage), biscuits, and table salt. HEALTHY HEART (AHA)-LOW SODIUM/LOW CHOLESTEROL Diet: A diet restricted in sodium (salt), fat and cholesterol. The diet is intended to help control fluid retention and blood levels of fat and cholesterol. Usually ordered for heart patients. FOODS ALLOWED: Foods prepared without added salt or excessive fats. For example, low fat soups, fat-free milk, unsalted crackers. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: Whole milk, butter, regular soups, processed meats, fried foods, table salt and rich desserts. DIABETIC (ADA) Diet: A diet supplying calculated amounts of calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat to control blood sugar. May also limit fat, sodium, and cholesterol. FOODS ALLOWED: Includes more foods prepared without added sugar, fat and/or sodium, unsweetened canned fruit, diet gelatin, diet soda, sugar substitutes. FOODS NOT ALLOWED: Encourages limited use of granulated sugar, simple sugars, candy, regular soda, high fat foods.