Summer Swallowing Tips: Safe & Social Eating for BBQs and Picnics

Safe & Social Eating: Summer Swallowing Tips from a Speech-Language Pathologist

Summer is the season of outdoor fun—grilling, picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. But if you or a loved one is living with dysphagia (a swallowing disorder), these joyful moments can also bring anxiety and uncertainty.

At Marigold Speech, we believe no one should have to sit out the fun. With the right strategies and support, adults with swallowing difficulties can enjoy summer meals safely—and confidently.

Whether you’re recovering from a stroke, managing Parkinson’s disease, or navigating age-related swallowing changes, here are expert tips from our licensed SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists) to help you stay safe while staying social this season.

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect chewing, moving food from the mouth to the stomach, or safely coordinating a swallow. This condition is common in adults after neurological events like stroke or traumatic brain injury, and in individuals with progressive conditions like Parkinson’s or ALS.

Common signs include:

• Coughing or choking during meals

• Feeling like food is stuck in the throat

• Avoiding certain textures or dry foods

• Weight loss or dehydration

Summer Swallowing Tips for Outdoor Gatherings

1. Choose Dysphagia-Friendly Foods

Skip dry, crumbly, or sticky foods like crackers, dry burgers, or bread-heavy sandwiches. Instead, go for moist, soft foods that are easier to chew and swallow, such as:

• Pulled chicken or shredded tender meats with extra sauce

• Cut meats into bite size pieces (no larger than a stamp)

• Mashed potatoes, pasta salads, or soft cooked veggies

• Canned fruit with yogurt

• Pudding-style desserts

• Soft cookies or brownies

Bonus tip: Bring your own dish to share that you know is safe and satisfying!

2. Watch the Temperature & Texture

Summer heat doesn’t just affect comfort—it can impact safety, especially for individuals with neurological conditions.

Extreme temperatures can increase fatigue and reduce muscle function, which may raise the risk of choking. In addition, heat can alter the texture of foods, drying them out or causing them to melt unpredictably.

Here are a few tips to help keep eating safe and enjoyable this summer:

Tip 1: Keep meals cool and serve them in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

Tip 2: Avoid foods that melt or change texture quickly—like ice cream or popsicles—unless your SLP has approved them.

Tip 3: Help dry foods go down more smoothly by adding moisture, like butter on bread or BBQ sauce on meats.

Safety first—enjoying food should never come at the cost of comfort or well-being.

3. Take Small Bites & Sips

Be intentional during mealtimes. Take your time—eat slowly, take small bites, and alternate solids with sips of liquid. Avoid talking with food in your mouth, as it increases the risk of choking.

And don’t forget your posture: sitting upright at a 90-degree angle is essential for safe swallowing. You’d be surprised how often choking occurs when someone is reclined in a chair or chatting mid-bite!

4. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is especially important during the summer. Dehydration can make swallowing more difficult, particularly for those already managing swallowing challenges.

If thin liquids are hard to swallow, talk to your speech-language pathologist about scheduling a swallowing evaluation to explore safe alternatives.

Otherwise, be sure to sip water regularly throughout the day to support both comfort and safety.

5. Speak with Your Speech-Language Pathologist

Every person’s swallowing needs are different. An outpatient swallow study can help identify your safest textures and build a plan tailored to your goals.

At Marigold Speech, we provide swallow evaluations and personalized dysphagia therapy in our Janesville clinic, and starting summer 2025, we’re offering home visits in Rock, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties!

You Deserve to Eat Safely—and Joyfully

Swallowing shouldn’t be stressful. With the right tools and support, summer can be full of flavor, family, and connection.

Have questions or want to schedule a swallowing evaluation? Call us today at (608) 728-7774 or visit marigoldspeech.com to learn more.

Disclaimer:The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Swallowing needs and safety vary greatly from person to person. For guidance tailored to your individual needs, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. To schedule a personalized swallowing evaluation, contact Marigold Speech today.