Because diabetes increases risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), it's important to understand how to protect kidneys. Dietary measures like choosing whole foods, selecting heathy fats, and limiting sugar, unhealthy fats and processed foods are things you can do to protect your kidneys. We've put together some suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, plus tips to help with managing your plan.
Find more Kidney-Friendly resources.
A hearty twist on a classic dish to fuel your mornings. The addition of quinoa to oats boosts the fiber and provides a vegetarian protein source. Add a drizzle of honey, a dash of cinnamon and some fresh berries and you have a well-rounded dish. This recipe can also be doubled, portioned into single-servings and reheated for a quick weekday breakfast. If you need extra protein try Sweet and Smoky Baked Eggs or add scrambled egg whites or a hardboiled egg on the side.
Check out this amazingly simple yet delicious recipe. Not only is it is low in carbohydrate, but it is also low in sodium and protein. Plant heavy, this recipe is easy and quick to make for any mid-day meal. A double portion is recommended as a lunch entree. For a sweet ending, try No Bake Peanut Butter & Chocolate Bites. Two bites are enough to satisfy a chocolate peanut butter craving whild keeping it kidney-friendly.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Green Beans is an easy, one pan dish that cooks in less than 30 minutes. A simple fresh dill and mayonnaise spread adds flavor, and pair well with low potassium green beans tossed with olive oil.For an additional side enjoy Sweet Potato Marsala baked at the same temperature on a separate pan.
Round this healthy meal out with out with a colorful, low potassium Berries and Cream dessert.
Remember eating "ants on a log" as a child? Easy to make Almond Cranberry Celery Logs is a modern day twist with cream cheese, almonds, and dried cranberries to provide a nutty, sweet flavor. Perfect to satisfy a mid-morning or afternoon snack craving.
Spice up garbanzo bean hummus with pumpkin, garlic, and smoked paprika.
Make mornings festive with this great egg dish bursting with flavor. Reduce the sodium further by leaving out the 1/8 tsp of salt and using the other great herbs and spices. You can also swap out the canned tomatoes and use chopped fresh. Veg it up by adding some sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach. Huevos Rancheros is not complete without garnishing with a couple slices of avocado. This higher potassium fruit that is acceptable in small amounts if you are limiting potassium. To complete this breakfast, add a Mini-Apple Chimichanga.
Combine high fiber whole wheat pasta with diced chicken, low potassium veggies, mayo, vinegar and oregano to create a delicious, filling entree salad. To finish this tasty meal enjoy an Instant Pot Chia Berry Crepe, easy to make using premade crepes and low potassium homemade berry sauce thickened with chia seeds.
These vegetable mini quiches offer versatility to your meal plan. Make them ahead and enjoy two mini quiches for lunch with a salad such as our Arugula, Pear, Walnut & Pecorino Salad, breakfast with a toasted English muffin or as a quick grab and go snack. If needed, you can reduce the protein, potassium and phosphorus further by using almond milk in place of the skim milk and leaving off the cheese wedge. For a tasty dessert try Grilled Peaches with Fresh Bluebery Compote.
Kiwi, grapes and strawberries threaded on skewers with bites of string cheese make a healthy, satisfying snack with just the right amount of carbs, protein and potassium.
For a light and simple breakfast make a Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Parfait. This dish can be enjoyed alone, or topped with Homemade Fruit-Sweetened Granola to add crunch and additional fiber to the parfait. Make the granola ahead of time for a grab and go snack! You can also swap out the blueberries to other low potassium fresh favorites such as peaches, strawberries or whatever your taste buds desire! This dish is higher in protein, so balance this out with the rest of your day if limiting protein.
These fresh rolls are easy to make and low in protein, sodium and carbohydrates. Tofu replaces the meat in this traditional Vietnamese dish inspiring a plant rich and heart healthy option. Enjoy a small amount of chili sauce for dipping or pair it with our low in potassium Lemon-Mint Sugar Snap Peas. These rolls make 12 rolls. Eat 2 rolls as an entree or 1 roll as a snack. Enjoy leftover rolls on multiple days for a quick light lunch or snack. Complete this meal with Cinnamon Ginger Apple on a Stick.
Whole grain pasta and additional veggies bring Modern Tuna Noodle Casserole up to today's healthy recipe standards. This main dish meal is low in potassium and phosphorus, and provides 13 grams of protein, great choice for a lower-protein meal. To round out the meal, add Grilled Romaine Hearts with Champagne Vinaigrette or a green salad, and for a sweet ending, add a handful of low potassium Baked Apple Chips.
Make a batch of low-sodium Power Snack Mix to enjoy as a grab 'n' go snack or breakfast add-on. Multi-grain cereal combined with mini-chocolate chips, almonds and cherries give this snack mix just the right savory and sweet mix.
Cottage cheese, sour cream and blue cheese arethe prime ingredients in this low carb, dip that is much lower in sodium compared to pther cheese dips. Enjoy with your favorite low potassium veggies as a snack or appetizer.
Work with your dietitian to adjust portions and add foods to meet your individual calorie and protein goals.
Some lower-calorie items were doubled in portion to raise cal/pro to meet goals. When indicated double portion, the nutritionals were adjusted (doubled) in the calculations.
This pre-built meal plan has been approved as kidney-friendly by DaVita dietitians who believe a kidney-friendly diet can be both nutritious and flavorful. Enjoy!
