Easy snacking on a kidney diet? Absolutely possible!

Posted on Jul 18th, 2017

by myspiceitup.ca

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From the Desk of our Renal Dietitians

By June Martin RD, CDE

The kidney diet poses many challenges when it comes to planning your meals. Trying to figure out what to eat the rest of the time can be even more confusing.

Convenience snacks aren’t a good choice

Most traditional, convenience store snacks (like chips, nuts, or chocolate) can be loaded with sodium, potassium and hidden phosphates. And “healthier” options, like fruits and vegetables add to your daily potassium intake and need to be taken into account when planning your day.

Try not to exceed the recommended total number of fruits and vegetables. Having an extra three pieces of fruit in a day can definitely bump up your potassium intake! If you have diabetes, choose a serving size that will allow the snacks to fit into your meal plan or be sure to count carbs.

So what to do? Here are a few snacking strategies to consider:

Plan ahead! Having some kidney-friendly snacks on hand can help make your decision an easy one.

Check those labels! Look for less than 10% of sodium per serving (and make sure that the serving size is what YOU are planning to eat.) Avoid products with phosphates – like sodium phosphate and phosphoric acid – in the ingredients list.

Portion size is key! Studies have shown that we eat more out of a bigger bowl, bag or plate. So portion out your snack instead of eating directly from the container.

Ask your dietitian for a list of kidney friendly snacks. Be specific – are you looking for a snack that’s crunchy, sweet or savoury?

If you also have diabetes, consider how these snacks will fit into your diet.

Making your own snacks

Of course making homemade foods and snacks is ideal. Try our Honey Cereal Snack Bars. But we understand that many of you like to buy something already made and easy to find!

Here are some of our favourite kidney-friendly snack-foods that you can easily find at many grocery stores.

Buying the right snacks

Rice crackers – these low potassium snacks come in a huge variety of flavours, many of which are low in sodium. And they also provide a very satisfying crunch!

Popcorn – of the low sodium variety, of course! Check the labels and be sure to avoid those listing potassium chloride as an ingredient.

Apple chips– these crunchy, dehydrated apple slices are slightly sweet and very crunchy! Keep in mind that they count as a fruit choice.

Unsalted pretzels, tortilla chips, Paris toasts, Melba toast and breadsticks. Snacking at home? Try pairing these with a kidney-friendly dip or spread.

Animal crackers, graham crackers and arrowroot cookies – these will satisfy your crunchy and sweet cravings!

Smooth cottage cheese – this is a new product that you’ll most likely find in your grocery store’s yogurt section. It’s slightly sweet, but a great high-protein snack.

Rice cakes – choose from the wide array of low sodium options!

Have a chocolate craving?Consider choosing something like a chocolate chip cookie instead of a brownie. Or choose a snack with a chocolate coating (e.g., Mars, Kit Kat) instead of a solid chocolate bar. Just remember that moderation is key!

If you don’t have diabetes, you can also consider choosing something like Twizzlers, jelly beans or hard candies, or a frozen treat like popsicles

Lemon or raspberry bars (lots of brands to choose from!), make for a quick and tasty snack. Just make sure to read their labels before buying.