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 grocery 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
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec. 19, 2023.
- Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.
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 and limit high-potassium and high-phosphorus foods, and focus on heart-healthy fats and lean proteins.
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 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.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
When managing kidney disease, focusing on low-potassium, low-phosphorus, and low-sodium foods is crucial to maintaining kidney health.
- For a protein boost, consider egg whites instead of whole eggs. They are lower in phosphorus and potassium.
- Replace oatmeal with cream of rice for a low-potassium, low-phosphorus breakfast option.
- If you're looking for a leafy green, butter lettuce can replace spinach. It has lower potassium levels.
- For a dairy substitute, rice milk can replace almond milk. It’s low in potassium and phosphorus.
- Instead of salmon, try tilapia for a lean protein that's lower in phosphorus.
How to budget on this meal plan
To budget the kidney disease meal plan, focus on kidney-friendly, cost-effective foods. Purchase staples like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grains in bulk. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables, and consider frozen options for berries and mixed vegetables. Utilize affordable protein sources like eggs, chicken thighs, and canned chickpeas. Prepare large batches of meals like lentil dishes and vegetable stir-fries for convenience and savings. Homemade dressings and marinades can be tailored to low-phosphorus and low-potassium requirements, offering health benefits and cost savings. Limit more expensive proteins like salmon and shrimp to occasional meals. Opt for lower-cost fish like tilapia, and explore plant-based proteins like tofu as nutritious, budget-friendly alternatives.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Snacks for Kidney Disease, focusing on kidney-friendly ingredients:
- Apple slices
- Rice cakes with cream cheese
- Red bell pepper with hummus
- Fresh berries
- Cucumber slices
- Egg whites
- Unsalted popcorn
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For those with kidney disease, water is crucial to help manage fluid balance. Cranberry juice can support urinary tract health. Lemonade, made without sugar, can help prevent kidney stones. Avoiding high potassium juices like orange juice is important. Herbal teas can be a safe alternative, but it's essential to choose varieties that are lower in minerals harmful to the kidneys.
How to get even more nutrients?
For those managing kidney disease, dietary adjustments are often necessary to reduce workload on the kidneys. High-quality protein sources like egg whites and fish are important as they produce fewer waste products. Limiting phosphorus and potassium intake, found in certain fruits, vegetables, and dairy, is often advised. A focus on heart-healthy fats and avoiding processed foods helps manage associated health issues like hypertension, which can exacerbate kidney problems.
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
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli and quinoa
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans
Calories: 1800 Fat: 39g Carbs: 105g Protein: 63g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Low-potassium fruit smoothie with berries, apple, and low-fat yogurt
- Lunch: Turkey and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
- Dinner: Lentil soup with a side of whole grain bread
Calories: 1920 Fat: 43g Carbs: 135g Protein: 50g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Egg white omelette with spinach, tomatoes, and low-phosphorus cheese
- Lunch: Grilled shrimp and quinoa salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette
- Dinner: Baked chicken with sweet potato mash and asparagus
Calories: 1830 Fat: 43g Carbs: 90g Protein: 75g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Low-phosphorus smoothie with pear, berries, and almond milk
- Lunch: Grilled fish tacos with cabbage slaw and low-phosphorus corn tortillas
- Dinner: Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey and diced tomatoes
Calories: 1810 Fat: 40g Carbs: 105g Protein: 65g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Low-potassium yogurt parfait with granola and fresh strawberries
- Lunch: Chicken and vegetable kebabs with quinoa and a low-phosphorus marinade
- Dinner: Baked tilapia with brown rice and steamed broccoli
Calories: 1840 Fat: 41g Carbs: 95g Protein: 72g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Low-phosphorus scrambled eggs with spinach and a side of whole grain toast
- Lunch: Stir-fried tofu with low-phosphorus vegetables and quinoa
- Dinner: Grilled vegetable and chickpea salad with a low-potassium dressing
Calories: 1860 Fat: 47g Carbs: 110g Protein: 53g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Low-phosphorus fruit salad with melons, berries, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds
- Lunch: Shrimp and avocado wrap with low-phosphorus tortilla and a side of cucumber slices
- Dinner: Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potato wedges and green beans
Calories: 1840 Fat: 39g Carbs: 105g Protein: 70g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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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.