Fast and Home-Made for the Holidays

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is here and the race is on to find the best gift and closest parking spot. It is no secret that eating on the kidney diet can especially be challenging during the holidays. Choosing the best fast and home-made foods can help you enjoy the holidays. Follow these simple tips to help make eating on the go during the holidays one less thing to worry about.

Use Leftovers

Turkey and other meats typically served at holiday meals are versatile and high in protein. Use leftover turkey to make a sandwich or wrap turkey in lettuce to make a lettuce wrap. Turkey roll-ups are also an easy renal-friendly snack that you can make from leftover dinner items. Make leftover meats into high protein salads such as chicken or turkey salad.

• Tortilla Roll-ups
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Baked Chicken Salad
• Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches
• Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Panini

Pack It

This holiday season, plan ahead by packing an on-the-go meal or snack. Being prepared with kidney-friendly snacks will help avoid the temptation to stop at the drive-thru or mall food court. Make a smoothie, freeze it, then grab it to go. Try fruit or veggies, low-sodium crackers with cream cheese or a protein bar for quick, easy snacks when hunger hits.

• Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie
• Creamy Fruit Salad
• Cereal Snack Mix with Salt-free Seasoning
• Sugar and Spice Popcorn
• Protein Bars: A Quick and Easy Protein Source

Eat Smart

Sometimes eating out or pulling through fast food is unavoidable. During the holidays, eating out might be more convenient. Before you leave home, have a couple of restaurants or fast food places in mind. Study the menu online before heading out, or speak with your dietitian to discuss the most renal-friendly choice. Additionally, limit sodium and phosphorus at fast food restaurants by avoiding cheese, dressings, gravies and sauces.

Enjoying good food and good company is what makes the holidays memorable. With these fast renal-friendly ideas, eating on the run is simple. This means you have more time to enjoy with family and friends. For more ideas check out additional “Home-made Fast Foods for the Kidney Diet“.