Kidney-Friendly Eating For the Whole Family

By Dani Renouf, RD, MSc

Does the sentiment “I cook two different meals, one for me, and one for my family” ring true for you? Do you prepare “customized meals” for each member of your family, fearful that they will not eat the low sodium, low potassium, low phosphate dish your dietitian recommended? Well, despair no more. Consider me your test kitchen: for the past year, I have reduced sodium in my cooking and taken some of the great recipes from this site and other kidney-friendly cookbooks to my toughest critics, my family. Here are some tips are not only tried, tested, and true for me, but also by my patients, many of whom gave me the following ideas:

1. Easy Does It. Whenever you are making a change toward better health, it’s best to take it slow and set yourself up for success. For example, if you are trying to follow a low sodium diet, try reducing the use of high sodium sauces or soups or diluting them with water, rather than cutting them all together. Changes in diet take time and are best served when they are sustainable. Eventually, you may be making your own sauces and soups from scratch, but a step wise approach will get you there more effectively.




2. Act Natural.Eating healthfully is beneficial for everyone, whether they are living with a kidney condition or not. Present this concept to your family by asking them to identify foods in the home that they think are high in salt, and work together as a team to find lower salt options. Your dietitian can always help with this process. Reading labels is important, but if you find your pantry is full, yet your vegetable and fruit drawer could use some restocking, try to choose less processed foods while grocery shopping. These include:
   • Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
   • Bulk beans and legumes
   • Lean meats, poultry, fish and seafood
   • Lower fat dairy products

   
   

3. Comfort Foods Come First.When diet restrictions are necessary, people often deprive themselves of their comfort foods first. “No more pizza or macaroni and cheese for me.” However, these foods can be made at home using wholesome ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the foods of their childhood, but also rest assured that they are still following the recommended diet for their health. Try this tofu fingers recipe (you can also use chicken breast cut into strips) as an alternative to chicken nuggets.

Happy and healthy eating!