If you've found your way to Easy Eating Solutions looking for some help, ideas, or inspiration for eating well on a soft food diet, whether or not you have dysphagia, then you are in the right place. I hope that I can get to know you and your story as we navigate this easy-to-eat adventure!
Food is life
I've put a few recipes up on this blog, and there will be more, but it's time to knuckle down and start the chat. I'll begin. Hello, I'm Anna. I'm a cooking, gardening, Philip-Pullman-reading, woollen-jumper-wearing teacher/wife/mum lady from Bendigo. I like mending things, and making things, and looking at things. Picking things up and putting them down again. Cooking and eating and reading about food.
Like you, I care about a lot of different things. I created EES because I care so much about the power and importance of food. Having delicious, meaningful meals with your friends and family matters. Being able to enjoy those experiences daily matters. Food is life - and sharing a scrumptious meal creates a bond that can boost your happiness, your well-being, your mental health, your physical health ... It matters. And when something like dysphagia stops making mealtimes safe and enjoyable, I get busy.
I'm sure you're here because it's personal. I write about soft foods because it's personal. My children both needed a soft-food diet while they were learning to eat, as they gagged and choked a lot. My great-aunt has dementia and is in a care home on a puréed diet. Our friends' son has Down syndrome and will need a modified diet for many years. My grandpa had a stroke. The list goes on and on. Everyone at some stage will need this, and every time I tell someone about my work their response is "Man alive, my mum/cousin/neighbour needs your book!" (The 'man alive' part is verbatim, I remember distinctly ...)
Companion (n.)
I used to study food history, and I was passionate about it (though, as a 20-year-old, perhaps slightly more passionate about finishing uni and going travelling with my mate Erin) and the ideas that we discussed in those classes can still bring a tear to my eye. To be fair, I cry at everything, but I do get seriously worked up about food. Food has brought people together since, well, forever. Did you know that the word companion is made up of the Latin com meaning "with" or "together" plus panis, meaning "bread"? So, your friend, your companion, is someone you share bread with. How beautiful is that?
I've just opened my website to New Zealand, Canadian, USA and UK companions, so I hope EES can soon be part of this global community of dysphagia warriors, as well as folk who need soft food for the other million reasons that we do. I would love to think that people are enjoying my recipes all around the world, sitting down with people they love (or simply tolerate) to eat something delicious together.
What's your story?
Please say hello in the comments, I would love to know who is out there, why you are looking for soft food recipes, and if there is anything I can do to help.
Thanks for reading,
Anna x
9 comments
Hi Anna , your cookery book is what I need. I exist on protein shakes, eggs, thin sliced crisps, porridge (naturally) and concoctions I derive from my soupmaker. This machine is very good and can make soup out anything you throw into it including cans of stew or minced beef, chicken and fish. However it is still soup and looks like soup. I needed something that made my meals look more exotic. I reckon you scored.
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Easy Eating Solutions replied:
Peter, thank you so much for your message. I am so glad that you’ve found my book and recipes, and I hope they help you get maximum flavour from your meals! Please let me know how you get on. Anna
LO has dementia. Was in hospital due to Aspirational Pneumonia, created from ‘inhaling’ as he eats. Have learnt to not let him have crisps, dry biscuits, flaky dry foods. Now soak nuts before giving to hin.
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Easy Eating Solutions replied:
Thanks for your message Gail. Aspiration is so common with dry, flaky foods so that’s where my recipes come in. The are perfect for people who have dementia – please let me know how you and Lo get on. Anna x
Hi Anna
My husband has advanced Parkinson’s on I have been his carer for about 10 years. He loves food but it is a big problem as he has had 2 major choking episodes in the last couple of years.
I look forward to looking at your book.
Helen
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Easy Eating Solutions replied:
Hi Helen, I am so glad you found me! I hope my recipes bring you and your husband some much deserved joy. Choking episodes can be so frightening for everyone, even if you act quickly – and the fear can linger. I’m so sorry you experienced that, but I am full of admiration for you. Would you let me know what you think of the book? Anna x
Thanks for the awesome recipes. We especially love those that have “crunch” but are safe (ie crunch and melt) for kids with disabilities to eat.
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Easy Eating Solutions replied:
Hi Kate, thank you so much for getting in touch! My children have both loved the recipes in my book, even when swallowing safely was difficult, so I hope you and yours find some joy and ease too. Anna x
Hi Anna, just came across your story on my news feed and my interest was immediately piqued. My sister sadly has Parkinson’s disease and finds it difficult at times to swallow food also finding it often feels like the food is sitting in her chest after eating. Thought your wonderful recipes may be able to help her. Thank you very much.
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Easy Eating Solutions replied:
Hi Robyn, Thank you so much for your message, it was lovely to hear from you. I really hope my recipes brighten your sister’s day – she is exactly who I wrote Scrumptious for. Let me know what you think! Best wishes, Anna