Festive Feasting: How to Make Your Holiday Menu Kidney-Friendly

The holidays make it difficult to follow any therapeutic diet. During this season, people usually spend time with their loved ones and celebrate customs that involve delicious meals. With some advanced planning, here is how you can ensure your holiday menus do not allow you to fall off your renal diet plan. 

Appetizers: The serving size of your appetizer should be smaller than your palm. Remember that potassium, phosphorus, and sodium are the hidden ingredients in many appetizers. Be mindful and limit appetizers. Here are some alternatives to typical appetizers. 

• Raw Veggies: Peppers, carrots, cucumbers, radishes & celery sticks 
• Low Potassium Fruits: Grapes, apples, berries 
• Snacks: Deviled eggs, unsalted popcorn, unsalted pretzels 
• Spreads: Pineapple salsa, cream cheese, low-sodium cheese 

Main Course: Portion control! The amount of meat/protein eaten should be the size of the palm of your hand or as much as a deck of cards. Fill half of your plate with preferred non-starchy vegetables. Starches should be no bigger than the size of your computer mouse. If using gravy, use no more than 2 tablespoons on your plate. 

• Protein: Turkey, pork, chicken, duck 
• Vegetables: Green salad, green beans, corn, zucchini, cauliflower 
• Starches: White rice, noodles, white bread or rolls, “leached” potatoes, couscous 
• Sides: Cranberry sauce, applesauce, low-sodium gravy 

Liquids: Reminder for your fluid intake: anything liquid at room temperature is a fluid, not just plain water. 

• Water with lemon, sparkling water, iced tea, apple juice, cranberry juice, hot tea, coffee with non-dairy creamer 

Desserts: Enjoy a small portion of the treats below. If you have diabetes, you need to limit desserts or stick to lower-sugar ones. 

• Fruit pies: apple, cherry, berry 
• Cookies: sugar, shortbread 
• Cakes: pound, angel food 
• Candies: peppermint, gumdrops, jellybeans