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The holiday season is picking up and we cannot wait to be celebrating with family and friends in the coming weeks! In light of Thanksgiving, we sat down with our provider and dietician, Ella Harpole, to identify key ways you can host a more kidney-friendly gathering this year. Keep reading for best practices on staying hydrated, preparing holiday meals, and keeping it inclusive.
The Renal Diet and The Holidays
Regarding holiday meal planning, we recommend talking to your provider well ahead of time to cover the dos and don’ts of your condition, specifically. Since restrictions differ from patient to patient, consulting the Internet alone may not be the most comprehensive approach to meal prep. Remember: your dietitian and nephrology team are here to answer any questions and work with you to address key areas of concern!
Some challenges we hear from patients specifically pertain to hydration and how to consume holiday favorites in moderation. Since diet varies depending on condition, here are some common misconceptions to steer clear of when researching diet adjustments:
On Hydration
Though it is favorable to consume your recommended eight glasses a day there are instances where fluid restrictions might be necessary. However, in cases where dehydration is a regular issue, we recommend keeping water on hand and full so that you remember to drink throughout the day. We find water bottles to be more beneficial than a traditional glass of water as it helps you track how much you’ve consumed.
On Food
In terms of ingredients to be watchful for, high turkey tends to be a large concern for patients. However, in many cases, you can still enjoy your fix so long as you are mindful of the quantities you consume. Practicing portion control empowers you to know exactly what amount you can intake.
General Tips
Communicating Dietary Needs
When planning your holiday spreads, it’s never a bad idea to let your loved ones and hosts know that you are trying to be conscious of your diet. By informing your hosts early on, they can better coordinate more inclusive meals and communicate this with attendees. If you’re Thanksgiving is potluck style. In any case, you can always offer to bring a safe dish to add to the table. Some great examples include seasonal side salads with dressing on the side to control your sodium.
Food Recommendations
For kidney patients, the biggest considerations we watch for are sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Turkey and other protein sources are typically okay in moderated amounts, but it is always good to refer back to what healthy portion sizes consist of.
The USDA recommends the “plate method” for portion control. The plate method is a visual way to build your meal servings and recommends that half your plate consists of fruits and veggies, a quarter has your starches or grains, and the last quarter contains your protein. This is an easy on-the-go way to keep your plate balanced at your holiday dinners and covers all your key food groups: fiber, protein, and carbs.
For those looking for reliable holiday meal recipes, the National Kidney Foundation has quite a few recipe recommendations and ideas to consider at your holiday table. This can be helpful for those still struggling with finding meal inspiration. The NKF famously provides sensible, straightforward, and accessible information if you are ever looking for quick and direct answers to your questions.
Cooking Tips
Another way to safely enjoy your holiday favorites can be by trying new cooking techniques.
For high-potassium foods like squash, pumpkin, potatoes, and yams, a popular preparation is the double-boiled method which helps reduce potassium by half. It’s as simple as it sounds, simply take potatoes or other veggies of your choice and boil them twice in a fresh pot to draw out excess potassium. The result is a super smooth base for mashed potatoes or purees. For those looking to completely swap out potassium, our seasonal favorites include corn, turnips, and peas. Other best practices include incorporating more spices and seasonings rather than relying mainly on salt and avoiding deep-frying food/using less fats in your cooking prep.
Final Notes
Being prepared is important, but so is being present with your loved ones. While it is always safe to follow the best practices recommended by your providers, it shouldn't be a point of stress that weighs down the festivities.
Remember that your care team and providers are here to help you work through any concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out for specific recommendations and strategies to stay #KidneyStrong this season. We hope that you enjoy celebrating in your special ways and take time to reflect as we round out the month. From all of us here at ANC, have a happy Thanksgiving!