6 Dialysis-Friendly Tips to Keep New Year’s Resolutions

You know you're supposed to limit sodium, potassium, phosphorus and liquids when you're on dialysis. But not every dialysis patient follows these guidelines 100% of the time. Sound familiar? If you haven't been as diligent as you could be, setting some New Year's resolutions can help.

But before you go full-speed ahead, here are a few health and wellness tips for the New Year for dialysis patients.

1. Work on ONE goal at a time

Instead of trying to make a lot of changes all at once (a recipe for failure), focus on one goal at a time. For example: make better food choices, limit liquids, get regular exercise. Pick one you can focus on daily. Once you've mastered it move on to the next goal.

2. Keep it simple

Once you've defined your goal, break it down into simple steps you can complete each day. For example: Exercise 20 minutes every afternoon by walking around your neighborhood. Then map out the steps you'll need to make this happen: Put on your shoes. Check the weather. Put on a raincoat or jacket. Or have an alternate plan to exercise indoors if the weather isn't good.

3. Plan for failure

What will you do when you feel like quitting? You know, ignore the nutrition guidelines to limit sodium, potassium and phosphorous, drink too much water and other liquids, or skip exercise. Create an action plan you can follow when you feel like quitting. For example: Call a friend. Stop and count to 100. Take 5 deep breaths. Plan head so you're ready to deal with temptations when they happen.

4. Create accountability

Share your goal(s) with someone you trust: a family member, friend, or co-worker. Ask them to help you be successful. A daily or weekly check-in (phone, text, email or in person) will help you stay on track.

5. Track your progress

Use a calendar, mobile app or journal to keep track of your progress. It's a powerful way to help you work on your goal, measure your progress, make adjustments, and stay motivated to keep going.

6. Get back on track…fast

Forget about the "all or nothing" mindset. If something goes wrong, your diet goes off the rails or you miss consecutive days of exercise, just get back on track. No need to beat yourself up or throw in the towel. The sooner you get back on track, the better.

Looking for a little help to improve your diet in 2023?

Check out the complete list of Dialysis-Friendly meals made from fresh ingredients and ready to eat in minutes. Pick your favorites, and we'll take care of the rest.