The First Few Days with Braces: What to Expect

🛒 Braces-Freindly Grocery List

Proteins:

• Eggs (for scrambled, boiled, or omelets)

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Cottage cheese

• Soft tofu

• Canned tuna or salmon

• Chicken breast (for shredding)

• Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter – smooth only)

Grains & Carbs:

• Instant oatmeal

• Cream of wheat

• Soft white/brown bread

• Tortillas (soft)

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

• White/brown rice

• Pasta or macaroni

• Applesauce

• Rice pudding

Fruits & Veggies:

• Bananas

• Avocados

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries – mashed if needed)

• Canned peaches or pears (in juice)

• Smoothie ingredients (spinach, banana, frozen mango, etc.)

• Vegetable soup

• Baby carrots (to steam until soft)

• Frozen peas (to cook and mash)

• Butternut squash (frozen or fresh, to roast and mash)

Dairy:

• Milk (or plant-based alternatives)

• Cheese (shredded or soft cheeses like mozzarella or brie)

• Pudding cups

Drinks & Extras:

• Smoothie packs

• Low-sugar juice

• Broth (chicken, vegetable)

• Herbal tea

• Honey (for soothing sore mouth if needed)

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🍽️ Meal Ideas

Breakfast:

• Scrambled eggs with soft toast and mashed avocado

• Oatmeal with mashed banana and cinnamon

• Greek yogurt with blended berries and honey

Lunch:

• Creamy vegetable soup with soft bread

• Egg salad or tuna salad wrap (in a soft tortilla)

• Macaroni and cheese with steamed spinach

Dinner:

• Mashed potatoes with shredded chicken and gravy

• Soft rice bowl with scrambled egg and avocado

• Pasta with soft-cooked veggies and tomato sauce

Snacks:

• Applesauce or pudding

• Smoothies (add protein powder if needed)

• Cottage cheese with canned peaches

Tips:

• Avoid crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods.

• Cut food into small pieces to minimize chewing.

• Keep everything soft, warm (not hot), and soothing.