Revitalize Your Renal Diet: A Vibrant Grocery List for Kidney Health
Are you looking to transform your mundane grocery list into an exciting list that is efficient and meeting your budget?
Are you planning your meal for the week and need a list to help guide your shopping trips?
You come to the right place! Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
Superfoods for Kidney Health
Lately I’ve been hearing more and more people using the term Superfoods.
What are Superfoods in the renal diet? It is basically food that is nutrient-dense and provides essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds while being mindful of the dietary restrictions often associated with kidney conditions.
Meaning focused on managing phosphorus, potassium, and sodium intake.
Here’s a sample of a simple SUPERFOOD grocery shopping list for a renal diet.
Proteins
One of the most important macros in the renal diet is protein. Animal protein or High Biological Value (HBV) protein can be found in meat, fish, poultry. HBV has about 7.0 grams of protein per ounce (milk has 4 grams per half-cup).
Plant-based protein is minimally processed food, and it has almost the same amount of protein. Plant-based protein can be found in tofu and tempeh (soybean based), seitan, beans, lentils, and nuts, also in whole grains like quinoa and amaranth.
Fresh Produce
Moving on to fresh produce.
When selecting fresh produce for a renal diet, it’s important to consider the potassium and phosphorus content, as these minerals can impact kidney health. Choosing fresh produce for a renal-friendly diet mainly needs to be low in potassium.
Read Labels if you are purchasing packaged or canned produce, check the labels for added preservatives or salt. Opt for products with no added salts or choose fresh produce when possible.
Freshness DO Matters. Choose fresh fruits and veggies that are in season and look vibrant. Freshness is a sign for maximum nutritional value.
Grains and Carbohydrates
The key in choosing grains and carbs in renal diet lies in limiting portion sizes and avoiding high phosphorus and potassium content. Here are some grains and carbohydrates that can be suitable for a renal diet:
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats keep your heart healthy and your brain sharp. Healthy fat adds richness to food while being mindful of phosphorus and sodium levels. It’s always smart to be cautious on how much fat (even good fat) you use and eat. So always cook with less oil than a recipe calls for.
Beverages
Renal diet mainly restricts fluid. Kidney patients need to be very mindful of how much fluid they consume. On top of that, choosing beverages with lower levels of phosphorus, potassium, and sodium is crucial.
Don’t forget to check out my low phosphorus drink list for a renal diet HERE.
Avoid powdered drinks such as Tang, Koolaid Powder and Powdered lemonades and energy drink. Also stay away from coconut water and sports drinks including Gatorade and vitamin water. These drinks may include additional minerals such as phosphorus, and potassium that kidney patients actually need to get rid off.
