5 Steps to Set Renal-Friendly Resolutions

Did you know an estimated 85% of people who set New Year's resolutions abandon those goals and good intentions within the first 30 days? When you have renal disease, it's critical to do everything you can to protect your health. But setting impossible goals and giving up quickly isn't going to help you.

Thinking about making New Year's resolutions to do a better job managing renal disease? Use these five steps to set yourself up for success.

1. Pick one goal to work on

Too many people make a laundry list of things they'd like to improve or accomplish. But if you're trying to do too many things at once, it's easy to end up getting stuck without making any progress.

Instead, keep it simple. Pick ONE New Year's resolution to help you better manage renal disease. For example:

• Eat more Renal-friendly meals
• Limit sodium
• Limit phosphorus
• Limit potassium
• Limit fluids
• Be more active

Pick one goal, and make that your daily focus until you've mastered it. Then pick another goal.

2. Turn your big goal into smaller goals

Once you identify your big goal, break it down into smaller goals. Instead of "drink less water," break it down into smaller more specific goals.

• How much water/liquids will you drink per day?
• How much water/liquids will you drink per meal?

When you simplify your big goal with smaller goals and get specific, it's easier to accomplish one task at a time to achieve the bigger goal.

3. Track and measure your progress

After you map out a plan to achieve your big goal by completing smaller tasks, find a way to measure and track your progress. For example:

• Keep a journal and write down the actions you take to accomplish your goal
• Use a calendar to mark off each day you're successful
• Use a mobile app to track your calories, food intake and sodium, potassium and phosphorus.
• Use a water bottle to keep track of the amount you're drinking

Measuring and keeping track of your progress reminds you of your goal, helps you make adjustments if you mess up, and keep you motivated when you can see your progress.

4. Ask for help

Tell your family, friends, and co-workers what your New Year's resolutions are, and ask for their help.

Renal-friendly resolutions might include eating Renal-Friendly foods to help you limit sodium, potassium, phosphorous and liquids.

Tell your friends what foods are compatible with a Renal-friendly diet, and remind them you must limit liquids. Ask your friends to help you, and even check in with you to keep you accountable.

5. Get back on track ASAP

Remember, about 85% of people abandon New Year's resolutions within a month. But it doesn't have to be that way. If you mess up, eat or drink more than you should, or blow off exercise, just get back on track as soon as possible.

One of the best ways to protect your health when you have renal disease is following nutritional guidelines to limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Our complete selection of Renal-Friendly meals will help you be successful.