7-day Meal Plan For Kidney Disease
Looking for a kidney-friendly diet? Our 7-day meal plan for kidney disease is designed to support renal health. Learn how to create meals that are kind to your kidneys and turn them into a practical shopping list. Let's support your kidney health together!
Meal plan shopping list
- Apples
- Cinnamon
- Oatmeal
- Low-fat milk
- Ground flaxseed
- Chicken breast
- Broccoli
- Quinoa
- Salmon
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Berries
- Low-fat yogurt
- Turkey
- Brown rice
- Lentils
- Whole grain bread
- Egg whites
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Low-phosphorus cheese
- Shrimp
- Mixed greens
- Lemon
- Asparagus
- Pear
- Almond milk
- Fish
- Cabbage
- Low-phosphorus corn tortillas
- Bell peppers
- Ground turkey
- Diced tomatoes
- Low-potassium yogurt
- Granola
- Strawberries
- Chicken
- Low-phosphorus marinade
- Tilapia
- Scrambled eggs
- Whole grain toast
- Tofu
- Low-phosphorus vegetables
- Chickpeas
- Low-potassium dressing
- Melons
- Sunflower seeds
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Chicken thighs
- Sweet potato wedges
Article Reviewed
Our editorial team has checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
Meal plan overview
Looking for a kidney-friendly diet? Our 7-day meal plan for kidney disease is designed to support renal health. It includes low-potassium and low-phosphorus foods to ease the kidney's workload.
This plan helps in managing kidney disease with a diet that's both protective and palatable.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu are excellent sources of protein without overloading on phosphorus.
- Fresh Vegetables: Opt for low-potassium vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, and green beans.
- Fruits: Stick to kidney-friendly fruits such as apples, grapes, and berries in moderation.
- Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats for fiber and nutrients.
- Healthy Fats: Include olive oil, avocados, and flaxseed oil for heart-healthy fats.
- Dairy Alternatives: Consider low-phosphorus milk substitutes like almond milk or rice milk.
- Herbs and Spices: Use herbs like parsley and dill to flavor dishes without adding sodium.
- Limit Sodium: Opt for low-sodium seasonings and be mindful of processed foods with high salt content.
✅ Tip
Monitor potassium intake, especially from fruits and vegetables, to maintain kidney health.
Foods not to eat
- High-Potassium Foods: Limit bananas, oranges, and potatoes, as high potassium levels can strain the kidneys.
- Processed Foods: Cut back on packaged snacks, canned soups, and frozen meals with added sodium.
- Red and Processed Meats: Reduce intake of beef, sausage, and bacon, as they can contribute to kidney damage.
- Dairy Products: Limit high-phosphorus dairy like cheese and yogurt; opt for kidney-friendly alternatives.
- Dark-Colored Sodas: Colas contain phosphoric acid, potentially harmful to kidney function.
- Excessive Protein: Avoid excessive protein intake, as it can strain the kidneys; consult a dietitian for personalized recommendations.
- High-Sodium Foods: Steer clear of salty snacks, canned soups, and processed meats to maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, as it can dehydrate the body and strain kidney function.
Main benefits
The 7-Day Meal Plan For Kidney Disease is designed to support kidney health by focusing on foods that are kidney-friendly. This plan emphasizes controlled levels of protein, phosphorus, and sodium, while ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients. By promoting a balanced diet, the plan supports individuals with kidney disease in managing their condition and maintaining overall well-being.
How to budget on this meal plan?
To budget this kidney disease meal plan, focus on versatile and affordable ingredients. Purchase chicken, turkey, and fish in bulk and freeze them. Use eggs and legumes like lentils and chickpeas as inexpensive protein sources. Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, and consider frozen options for berries and greens. Cook large batches of staples like brown rice and quinoa for multiple meals. Opt for store brands for items like almond milk and low-phosphorus products to cut costs.
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Extra tips ✨
Any healthy snack ideas?
Snacks suitable for those with Kidney Disease, focusing on kidney-friendly foods:
- Apple slices
- White bread with a small amount of jam
- Rice cakes with honey
- Blueberries or cranberries
- Red bell peppers, sliced
- Cauliflower or broccoli (cooked)
- Hard-boiled eggs (in moderation)
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For those with kidney disease, beverage choices should support kidney health and avoid overloading the kidneys. Water is the best choice for maintaining hydration. Cranberry juice can be beneficial for urinary tract health but should be consumed in moderation. Lemon water can help manage kidney stones. Avoid high-potassium and high-phosphorus drinks, like certain fruit juices and dairy-based drinks.
How to get even more nutrients?
Managing kidney disease requires careful dietary adjustments to reduce workload on the kidneys. Limit foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Focus on consuming lean proteins in moderation to decrease kidney strain. Calcium-rich foods should be balanced carefully with your doctor’s guidance to avoid exacerbating kidney problems. Stick to high-energy, low-protein foods such as white bread, rice, and apples, and always ensure proper hydration.
Meal plan suggestions
7-Day Kidney-Friendly Meal Plan
Day 1
- Breakfast: Apple-cinnamon oatmeal with low-fat milk and a sprinkle of ground flaxseed (calories: 250, protein: 8g, carbs: 40g, fat: 6g, phosphorus: 120mg, potassium: 200mg)
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli and quinoa (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g, phosphorus: 150mg, potassium: 250mg)
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g, phosphorus: 200mg, potassium: 300mg)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Low-potassium fruit smoothie with berries, apple, and low-fat yogurt (calories: 220, protein: 12g, carbs: 35g, fat: 5g, phosphorus: 100mg, potassium: 180mg)
- Lunch: Turkey and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice (calories: 380, protein: 20g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g, phosphorus: 160mg, potassium: 300mg)
- Dinner: Lentil soup with a side of whole grain bread (calories: 320, protein: 18g, carbs: 55g, fat: 5g, phosphorus: 120mg, potassium: 220mg)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Egg white omelette with spinach, tomatoes, and low-phosphorus cheese (calories: 180, protein: 20g, carbs: 5g, fat: 8g, phosphorus: 100mg, potassium: 150mg)
- Lunch: Grilled shrimp and quinoa salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 20g, phosphorus: 180mg, potassium: 250mg)
- Dinner: Baked chicken with sweet potato mash and asparagus (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 25g, fat: 15g, phosphorus: 150mg, potassium: 200mg)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Low-phosphorus smoothie with pear, berries, and almond milk (calories: 230, protein: 10g, carbs: 35g, fat: 7g, phosphorus: 120mg, potassium: 180mg)
- Lunch: Grilled fish tacos with cabbage slaw and low-phosphorus corn tortillas (calories: 350, protein: 20g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g, phosphorus: 140mg, potassium: 200mg)
- Dinner: Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey and diced tomatoes (calories: 380, protein: 25g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g, phosphorus: 160mg, potassium: 250mg)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Low-potassium yogurt parfait with granola and fresh strawberries (calories: 250, protein: 12g, carbs: 35g, fat: 8g, phosphorus: 100mg, potassium: 150mg)
- Lunch: Chicken and vegetable kebabs with quinoa and a low-phosphorus marinade (calories: 380, protein: 28g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g, phosphorus: 180mg, potassium: 300mg)
- Dinner: Baked tilapia with brown rice and steamed broccoli (calories: 400, protein: 22g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g, phosphorus: 160mg, potassium: 250mg)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Low-phosphorus scrambled eggs with spinach and a side of whole grain toast (calories: 280, protein: 15g, carbs: 25g, fat: 14g, phosphorus: 120mg, potassium: 180mg)
- Lunch: Stir-fried tofu with low-phosphorus vegetables and quinoa (calories: 420, protein: 20g, carbs: 45g, fat: 18g, phosphorus: 200mg, potassium: 300mg)
- Dinner: Grilled vegetable and chickpea salad with a low-potassium dressing (calories: 350, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g, phosphorus: 150mg, potassium: 220mg)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Low-phosphorus fruit salad with melons, berries, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds (calories: 220, protein: 8g, carbs: 30g, fat: 6g, phosphorus: 100mg, potassium: 150mg)
- Lunch: Shrimp and avocado wrap with low-phosphorus tortilla and a side of cucumber slices (calories: 360, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g, phosphorus: 180mg, potassium: 250mg)
- Dinner: Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potato wedges and green beans (calories: 420, protein: 30g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g, phosphorus: 200mg, potassium: 300mg)
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⚠️ Keep in Mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.
Article Reviewed
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of updating it on April 12, 2024.
