Kidney-friendly Thanksgiving Meal Suggestions

Happy Thanksgiving 2014!

Each year we follow some of the same traditions for Thanksgiving, but when times are more hectic  shortcuts to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends are welcomed. Here are some kidney-friendly tips with quick, easy recipes for a Thanksgiving menu that can be enjoyed by all.

Turkey Tips

If you haven’t bought and thawed your bird, consider buying turkey parts to cook separately. You can purchase turkey breasts, thighs and legs to roast. Better yet, try one of these easy recipes for Roasted Turkey Breast with Salt-free Seasoning or Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Carrots and Cranberry Gravy. One advantage of fresh turkey parts over the traditional whole bird is the fresh meat is less likely to be brined or injected with sodium or phosphate additives so the meat is much lower in sodium.

Potato Tips

Potatoes are very high in potassium but not forbidden if you remove some of the potassium and watch your portion size. You can cut white or sweet potatoes into small pieces and soak several hours or overnight. Another quicker option is to double boil potatoes, an equally effective method to lower potassium. Keep portion within the recommended 1/2 cup size. Try Garlic Mashed Potatoes (instructions to lower potassium included), or Whipped Cauliflower and Potatoes. You can soak sweet potatoes or yams or substitute Carrot-Apple Casserole.

Cranberry Tips

Cranberries are one of the lowest potassium fruits, making it the perfect choice for a kidney-friendly dish. DaVita dietitians created a collection of 13 low potassium cranberry recipes, including Cranberry-Apple Salad and Cranberry Salsa.  For a hot holiday beverage with cranberry juice try Hot Mulled Punch.

Stuffing Tips

Some people eat stuffing and others make dressing—either way this is one of the tastiest Thanksgiving dishes. Be careful with stuffing ingredients as the sodium can add up quickly. Choose the lowest sodium breads, broth and butter to make stuffing. Try Fresh Herb Cranberry Stuffing or Baked Stuffing, or make a rice-based stuffing with kidney-friendly ingredients.

For more holiday eating tips read Holiday Eating Tips for People on Dialysis or visit past Kidney Diet Tips blog posts from 2013, 2012 and 2011. Be sure to download the latest cookbook for more recipe ideas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

DaVita Dietitian Sara