Fast Food Fixes when you're traveling (slp Approved)

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Written by Amy Listermann, MS, CCC-SLP

When chewing is hard, road trips shouldn't be.

Traveling with dysphagia can make quick meals feel off limits. 

You can eat safely on the road; here's what                

works

actually

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Especially for folks with dry mouth, deceptively tough to swallow

Saturating breads fully with liquid (pregel) is an option, but it takes time

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Skip buns/bread

Extra Sauces

For minced and moist, use sauces and gravies to keep bites together, from the spoon to the swallow.

Terrain Map

Avoid fiber/crunch

Toppings on sandwiches are notoriously challenging, order plain and only add in ingredients that don't irritate gums and don't get stringy

on  time

Many liquids thicken over time, due to changes in temperature. 

Order or bring a hot beverage that can help you adjust. Retest if meal is taking a while to eat.

Bring a sealable container to help steam items to reduce crunchy edges

Or strain off liquids from mixed consistencies (liquid + food that needs chewing)

Let it Steam

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Check the list for your favorite fast food chain and your current IDDSI texture level

Dysphagia Friendly Fast Food