This discussion is about finding foods that are easy to digest for people with ileostomies and colostomies. The goal is to identify foods that can be eaten without needing to be puréed and to share experiences about what works well and what doesn't. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by the community:

- Safe Foods: Some foods that are generally well-tolerated include potatoes without skin, rice, cooked carrots, small portions of chicken, ground beef, turkey, fish, avocado, pasta, cheese, cheesy puffs, white bread, cottage cheese, canned mandarin oranges and peaches, plain muffins, certain fruit juices, perogies, skim milk, small coffees, and eggs.

- Eating Habits:
1. Chew food carefully and avoid rushing meals to prevent issues.
2. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals to manage output and avoid blockages.
3. Alternate between quick-transit meals and slower-digesting foods like potatoes and rice for comfort.

- Additional Foods: Campbell’s Cream of Potato and Tomato Soups (made with water) and crushed crackers are also considered easy to digest. Some have had success with fish and chips, plain cheese pizza, and canned carrot/pea mix.

- Experimentation: Raw salad greens can be challenging, but finely-chewed romaine lettuce might be tolerated. Small amounts of beef, like a half miniature patty or a small steak cube, can be okay for some.

- Foods to Approach with Caution: Strawberry seeds and popcorn hulls might irritate the stoma, so it's best to be cautious.

- General Eating Patterns:
1. Small, frequent meals are preferred, and heavy late-night meals are avoided.
2. Rotating between fast-digesting foods (like broths and simple carbs) and slow-digesting foods (like rice and potatoes) helps maintain steady output.
3. Slow-cooked meats, stews, and well-cooked fish are praised for being nutritious and easy to digest.

- High-Protein Options: Fish is generally well-tolerated, though it may cause odor. Tender meats from crock-pots or pressure cookers are easier to digest than grilled or chewy cuts. Ground beef is tolerated in small amounts by some, but others avoid it due to high output.

- Starches and Comfort Carbs: Potatoes without skin, white rice, egg noodles, pasta with light sauce, French fries, perogies, plain muffins, and white bread are common staples. Granola can thicken output for some, so it's best eaten early in the day.

- Dairy and Lactose: Skim or lactose-free milk, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, and cheese are generally fine. Cream soups are popular, and some dilute them with water to reduce fat and lactose.

- Vegetables and Fruit: Soft, well-cooked carrots, potatoes, canned peaches, and skinless apples are safe. Peas, corn, pepper skins, and seeds may pass through intact, sometimes causing discomfort. Shredding or processing raw salad can help those with dentures or prone to obstructions enjoy greens.

- Problem Foods: Raw fibrous vegetables, nuts, seeds, popcorn, and whole mushrooms can cause blockages or pain. Spicy dishes, strong curries, and alcohol may increase liquid output. Large late-night meals can lead to high output and disrupt sleep.

- Output Consistency and Odor: Fish and some proteins can create strong odors, but commercial deodorizers or charcoal tablets can help. Granola and thicker starches thicken output, while soups, fruit juice, and alcohol thin it.

- Nutrient Absorption: Some report low iron and the need for B-12 shots, with concerns about poor absorption. Regular blood work and supplementation are recommended.

- Overall Philosophy: Testing foods individually is a common approach. Thorough chewing, slow introduction, and mindful portion sizes are key to managing digestion effectively.