If you're on a kidney diet, typically, Italian sauces should be used in small quantities because they can be high in sodium, phosphorus and potassium. If you're at a restaurant, order the sauce on the side, if possible, but be advised that many Italian restaurants already have their sauce and pastas mixed. A good choice would be salad, bread and a very plain pasta, such as one served in garlic and butter. Pizza is usually salty and high in potassium and phosphorus. If you eat pizza, eat one slice and supplement with a small salad. A pizza with hamburger, green pepper and/or onions would be preferable to a pizza with pepperoni, sausage, olives, anchovies and/or extra cheese.
Special Diets
Looking for a gluten-free diet plan? What about a detox diet? Perhaps you are lactose intolerant and need to have special diet recipes? Any time you make changes in your eating habits with a specific goal, you're on a special diet. Meal planning is especially important for these types of special diets. You need to be prepared for unexpected occasions, travel and sickness. Get the facts on these special diet plans and recipes to ensure you have success in making changes to your eating habits.
Recently Answered
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National Kidney Foundation answeredIf your doctor has told you to limit protein in your diet, it is helpful to become familiar with different meat portions by practicing weighing them at home. You may want to request half-portions of meat dishes, share a part of your large portion with a dining companion, order a child's portion or ask for a doggie bag.
Another good way to control protein is by ordering à la carte. You may choose to make your meal from several appetizers instead of the typical complete dinner menu offerings.
Note: Patients on dialysis do not need to limit protein. -
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National Kidney Foundation answeredEating at fast-food restaurants is not totally out of the question if you're on a kidney diet. It does, however, take some thought. While many fast-food items are presalted, you can ask that yours have the salt and/or extra condiments left off. This may take a few extra minutes of waiting time. French fries are high in potassium. You must know how much potassium you are allowed to consume if you choose this item. Unsalted onion rings would be a better choice. Choose a small non-cola soda rather than a milk shake or large soda. Many fast-food restaurants now have salad bars as an alternative.
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National Kidney Foundation answeredAsian dishes usually consist of meat, fish or poultry combined with fresh vegetables. This can make them high in potassium. If you are at a restaurant and on a kidney diet, ask for your food to be cooked to order so that it may be prepared without soy sauce, fish sauce or monosodium glutamate (MSG), all of which contain a lot of sodium. Order plain rice; it is lower in sodium than fried rice. Do not add soy sauce to prepared Chinese or Japanese food.
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National Kidney Foundation answeredBreakfast may be one of the easiest meals to eat out if you're on a kidney diet. Most restaurants offer à la carte-style breakfast items.
Choose:- Eggs cooked to order
- Omelets with low-potassium vegetables
- Toast, biscuits, bagels, English muffins and croissants with margarine, jelly, honey, cinnamon and sugar
- Low-potassium fruit or juice
- Pancakes, waffles and French toast with syrup
- Hot or cold cereals with nondairy creamer
- Donuts
- Danish pastry
- Sweet rolls and coffeecake without nuts
- Cured or salted meats or fish, ham, sausage, bacon, lox and Canadian bacon
- Omelets with cheese or above meats
- Fast-food breakfast sandwiches
- Hash brown potatoes
- Gravy
- High-potassium fruits and juices
- Bran cereals
- Whole grain cereals and muffins
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National Kidney Foundation answeredMost restaurant entrees are prepared with salt. If you are eating out and on a kidney diet, ask that yours be prepared without salt or other salted seasonings. Ask that sauces and gravies be served on the side instead of over foods so that you can use them sparingly. Remove skin or crust from breaded items to reduce sodium intake.
Choose:- Broiled or grilled steaks, burgers, chops, chicken, fish or seafood (seasoned with fresh lemon)
- Inner cut of prime rib or roast
- Omelets with vegetables
- Sandwiches with meat filling
- Casseroles and mixed dishes
- Sauces and gravies
- Heavily breaded or battered items
- Cured or salted meats
- Omelets with cheese, ham, sausage or bacon
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 4 AnswersA vegan diet, or one free from all animal products, is a growing trend in healthy eating. In this video, Dr. Oz explains its benefits for the heart.
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National Kidney Foundation answeredIf you're on a kidney diet and eating out, the type of side dish you should order depends on the amount of potassium you should eat each day. Fried, baked and hash brown potatoes are higher in potassium than mashed or boiled potatoes. You might also consider asking for a lower potassium substitute like rice or noodles. If the cooked vegetable is not a good choice for you, order a salad or ask for a substitute vegetable.
Choose:- Lower-potassium vegetables such as green beans, corn, cabbage, asparagus, green peas, eggplant, carrots, cauliflower and squash
- Plain rice, pastas and noodles
- Higher-potassium vegetables such as spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms and winter squash
- Baked beans
- Sauerkraut
- Vegetables in sauces
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American Diabetes Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersIf you're on a gluten-free diet, always be sure to check nutrition labels for gluten-containing ingredients and additives.
Don't forget that ingredients in food products change frequently, so always check before you buy something. There are many additives and ingredients that are wheat, rye or barley-based.
If something is labeled "wheat-free" it is not always "gluten-free." While the product may not contain wheat, it may still contain rye or barley.
If you have any question about whether or not something contains gluten, call the manufacturer and ask directly. -
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Kimberly Snyder , Nutrition & Dietetics, answeredSome key detoxifying foods include raw vegetables (a lot of fiber), lemons and lots of fresh water. In this video, I will describe how these foods can help boost the body's natural detoxification process and delay aging.