Make your Own Recipes more Kidney-Friendly

Finding kidney-friendly cooking recipes can sometimes feel like a challenge. No matter what recipe you find, you either can’t eat it, or it tastes bland. Don’t throw away your old cookbook just yet— here are some ways that you can make your favorite recipes more kidney-friendly.

Cut down on the sodium. If the recipe calls for salt, add only a little bit or, even better, none. You can use other spices and seasonings to make up for the flavor without contributing to your sodium intake. Try cooking with flavorful ingredients such as lemon, onion, garlic, and spices such as paprika or mixed herbs. Avoid pre-packaged deli meats at the grocery store because they are usually very high in sodium.

Replace dairy with plant-based alternatives. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are usually high in phosphorus and potassium— both of which you want to limit if you are on dialysis. Choose a plant-based beverage instead, such as coconut milk or rice milk. Nowadays, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. You can hardly tell the difference!

MagicKitchen.com offers Dialysis-Friendly ready-made meals, so you don’t have to stress about your dinner. Try the baked tilapia or chicken parmigiana— two crowd favorites. All these meals are low in sodium, phosphate, and potassium, so you know they’re safe and delicious.

Limit added sugars. Many store-bought foods, such as cereals and yogurts, contain added sugars that aren’t good for anyone’s health. Instead, buy unsweetened foods, such as plain oats, and add your own toppings to make it tasty. Berries, cinnamon, and vanilla extract can make your food taste sweeter without containing any added sugars.

Avoid unhealthy fats. Overall, fats are high in calories, and we should be careful of our portion sizes. However, we do need healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Avoid fatty meats, butter, and sauces that contain heavy cream. These fats are usually unhealthy and can increase the risks of many chronic illnesses.