Navigating Restaurant Menus on a Renal Diet: Tips for Dining Out with Kidney Disease

Everyone should be able to enjoy a meal out once in a while, regardless of their dietary restrictions. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) does have limitations with food, but that doesn’t mean that going to a restaurant is off-limits!

Here are some helpful tips for eating out with kidney disease and finding renal diet dishes on a restaurant menu.

Ask for No Salt

Many restaurants will happily accommodate you if you tell them you’re on a renal diet. Ask if they can cook your food with no salt, and if the sauces and seasonings are high in sodium, ask if they can omit or replace them with a low-sodium option.

Some restaurants may also post nutrition information on their website, so it’s worth researching before choosing a place to dine. Choose a restaurant menu with a variety of renal diet options so you can enjoy yourself stress-free.

Prepare for the meal

If you know you’ll be going out for a meal or ordering takeaway that day, ensure the rest of your day is low in potassium, phosphate, sodium, and fluid. Even if you choose the most renal-friendly option on the menu, it might not be ideal for your diet. However, with a little preparation, you can still stay within your limits.

If you take phosphate binders, make sure to bring them with you as well.

Safe options

Lean protein sources, such as fish or chicken breast, are generally safe and healthier options when eating out, especially if you omit the sauce. Ask for a lemon wedge on the side to add more flavor without increasing sodium. However, if your specific renal diet requires you to limit protein intake, make sure you take that into account as well.

If you’re planning on ordering takeaway, why not look at the renal diet meals on Magickitchen.com? You don’t have to worry about compromising taste for health (or the other way around), as all the meals are designed by a dietician for individuals with CKD.

Eating a meal out or ordering takeaway ever so often is still possible on a renal diet. As long as you balance the rest of the day with renal-friendly meals and do what you can to prepare and limit your sodium, fluid, phosphate, and potassium intake, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy these special occasions.