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
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
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.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
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
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?
Meal plan suggestion
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.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024