When you are on dialysis, your diet is an important part of your overall treatment plan.
Following a healthy meal plan that is high in protein and low in sodium and phosphorus can prevent many health problems such as heart disease, bone disease, and infections. This will help you feel better and live longer. Your dietitian is available to guide you as the dialysis diet can be confusing at first. It is best to start the day with a healthy, high protein breakfast.
Here are 3 quick tips for a dialysis friendly breakfast:
Throughout the day, choose fresh foods rather than packaged or processed foods whenever possible. Fresh foods usually mean high quality protein and less phosphorus and sodium. And, if you have been prescribed a phosphate binder, make sure to take it with all meals to capture any phosphorus that might linger in even your healthy meals.
Here are two easy breakfast recipes that include protein and a good amount of fruits and vegetables.
This yummy high protein scramble has lots of flavor but is low in potassium. Avocado oil has a high smoke point so it is good for sautéing. Choose a spray oil to reduce unneeded calories from the dish.
Ingredients
3 eggs
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped bell pepper
2 teaspoon chopped jalapeno
Avocado oil cooking spray
Pepper
Salt-free seasoning such as Mrs. Dash
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat
2. Spray with cooking spray
3. Add peppers and onions
4. Sauté until onions start to brown
5. Beat eggs
6. Pour eggs over vegetables and reduce heat to medium low
7. Add pepper and Mrs. Dash to taste
8. Cook until almost set
9. Fold over and continue cooking until no liquid egg remains
Nutrition facts:
Calories 211, Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 491 mg, Sodium 187 mg, Total Carbohydrate 6 g, Dietary Fiber 1 g, Sugars 4 g, Protein 17 g, Calcium 80 mg, Iron 3 mg, Potassium 283 mg
Refreshing and satisfying! This recipe uses protein powder, which is great to add to other things too. Add it to oatmeal, for instance. Another tip, keep a bunch of grapes in your freezer at all times. They are great to suck on, instead of chewing ice, when you are thirsty.
Ingredients
½ cup frozen grapes
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
Instructions
1. Add frozen grapes to blender
2. Add almond milk (tip – check the ingredient list and look for one without “phosphate” ingredients)
3. Add protein powder (tip – whey is best; look for one that is natural without a lot of ingredients)
4. Blend until smooth
Nutrition facts:
Calories 161, Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 50 g, Sodium 121 mg, Carbohydrates 12 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugars 8 g, Protein 21 g, Calcium 228 mg, Iron 1 mg, Potassium 339 mg
Author
Tara Bzdok is a registered dietitian and kidney health diet expert with more than 10 years' experience. She works closely with people living on dialysis to help them live their best life.
