Celebrating the Holiday Season with Dysphagia
The holiday season is synonymous with connection, joy, and, of course, indulgent meals shared with loved ones. But for individuals with dysphagia, this time of year can bring unique challenges. The hustle and bustle of social events, changes to routines, and the abundance of foods that may not align with dietary needs can feel overwhelming.
At Simply Modified, we understand these concerns and are here to help make your holidays safe, inclusive, and, above all, enjoyable. Along with sharing our top tips and tricks, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Holiday Edition eBook—a specially curated collection of recipes, advice, and inspiration to help you embrace the festive spirit while navigating a dysphagia-friendly lifestyle.
Holiday Edition eBook
We’re so excited to introduce the Simply Modified Holiday Edition eBook—your ultimate guide to navigating the festive season with dysphagia. Inside, you’ll find both savoury and sweet recipes to inspire you! Perfectly suited for dysphagia texture levels:
IDDSI 7 - Easy to chew
IDDSI 6 - Soft & bite-sized
IDDSI 5 - Minced & moist
IDDSI 4 - Pureed
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a gathering, or simply looking for inspiration, the eBook has everything you need to make this season safe, inclusive, and joyful.
Plan Ahead for Gatherings
The foundation of a stress-free holiday lies in planning. Before attending any gathering, communicate your dietary needs with the host. Most people are willing to accommodate but may need guidance on how to modify dishes safely. Sharing examples, like how a puréed soup can be made festive with seasonal flavors, can go a long way.
Bringing a dish you’ve prepared ensures you’ll have something both safe and delicious to enjoy. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share your culinary creativity with others! For inspiration, our Holiday Edition eBook includes a range of festive recipes, from appetizers to desserts, that are perfect for gatherings.
Opt for Softer Foods as the Day Goes On
As holiday festivities often stretch over hours, fatigue can make chewing and swallowing more challenging later in the day. Plan to enjoy softer or smoother foods during evening meals to reduce strain and maintain comfort. Dishes like creamy soups, puréed side dishes, and soft desserts can help you stay nourished while conserving energy.
Experiment with Bright Colours & Bold Flavours
One of the joys of the holiday season is the vibrant array of dishes on display. Dysphagia-friendly meals don’t need to miss out on this festive appeal. Use colorful ingredients like roasted red capsicum, bright orange sweet potatoes, or deep green spinach in your purées.
Pair these colors with bold flavors, like garlic, rosemary, or citrus, to enhance the sensory experience. A visually appealing dish with robust taste can make meals more exciting and satisfying.
Create Inclusive Mealtimes
Food is just one part of holiday gatherings. Mealtimes are about connection, and inclusive communication plays a big role in fostering those bonds.
Use communication boards, gesture prompts, or other tools to encourage interaction.
Make sure everyone at the table feels included, even if they’re eating different textures.
Our Simply Modified Mealtime Communication Boards—are on sale and available for download—are perfect for making conversations more accessible during the holidays.
Celebrate with Confidence
Navigating the holidays with dysphagia doesn’t mean missing out on the joy and connection of the season. With thoughtful preparation, the right resources, and support from loved ones, you can embrace the festivities safely and confidently.
Let the Simply Modified Holiday Edition eBook be your guide to a memorable and inclusive holiday season. Download your copy today and start creating your own festive traditions, one dysphagia-friendly dish at a time.
Wishing you a joyful, safe, and delicious holiday season from the Simply Modified Team!
Written by Brie Simons
Speech Pathologist
SIMPLY MODIFIED COOKING
Purchase a copy of Simply Modified.
Written by Speech Pathologist Brie Simons. Including over 50 delicious recipes, with instructions to simply modify meals, making them easy to chew, soft and bite sized, minced and moist, or pureed.
It’s time to fall in love with food all over again…
