Avoiding the Thanksgiving Pitfalls

As we enter November, it’s a sign that the holiday season is approaching. Thanksgiving welcomes us, allowing us to reconnect with our loved ones. Since the holiday is food-centric, navigating as a dialysis patient can be daunting. “What should I eat? What should I avoid? How do I communicate my needs without feeling like a burden?” If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, you will find solutions below to avoid the holiday pitfalls. Don’t stress; we’re here to help you enjoy the food and loved ones you love. Although they may need a little education, you will often find that your loved ones support your needs and want to provide food that everyone, including you, can enjoy. 

If you are attending Thanksgiving dinner, it may be a good idea to cook one or two kidney-friendly dishes that you know you will be able to eat. Ask your host what they plan to serve beforehand so that you can help fill in the gaps with your favorite dishes. Show your loved ones that kidney-friendly foods can be healthy and delicious, so bring enough to share! Always remember the importance of portion control. Just because a dish isn’t kidney-friendly doesn’t mean you must avoid it altogether. Proper portion control can help you keep yourself in check, allow a little leeway, and prevent you from derailing your usual diet. Some commonly consumed Thanksgiving foods can be high in phosphorus and potassium – macaroni and cheese, gravy, yams, sweet potatoes, and mashed potatoes, to name a few. If you decide to indulge in any foods you know may not be the best for you, limit your portions to less than ½ cup and try to avoid seconds and thirds. 

Be mindful of canned and processed foods – boxed stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy mixes, fried meats, powdered mashed potatoes, and premade desserts – as these foods can be high in phosphorus and phosphorus additives. You can make these items from scratch at home to decrease the phosphorus content. Make sure to bring and take your phosphorus binders with you for your meal. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about taking an extra binder with your big meal; this would help cover the excess food or phosphorus you may consume. 

Watching what we consume does not only apply to the foods we choose but also to the drinks. Some great holiday favorites include lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, Fresca, club soda, cranberry, apple, and grapes juices. If you have diabetes, be sure to watch your sugar levels and opt for lower-sugar or sugar-free varieties. Be careful to stay within your fluid recommendations, typically between 32 and 48 ounces per day. Make sure to speak with your dietitian regarding any questions you may have. We at Dialysis Care Center wish you and your family a very joyous and healthy holiday season!