Kidney Diet Tips

Breakfast Anyone?

Eating breakfast can have many positive effects on your health and well-being. In fact, studies show that overall diet quality is better among people who eat breakfast.

Start your day off with a healthy blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates (mainly from whole foods) to help stabilize your blood sugar and reach protein, nutrient and fiber goals. Skip sugary options as they offer no health benefits and could cause problems in the long run.

How to build a healthy breakfast plate

Protein: The building block for your body’s tissues, protein keeps you full and satisfied between meals. Aim for at least 20-30 grams. Some ideas for adding protein to your breakfast:

Foods: Eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, turkey, lean breakfast meat, tofu, protein shake/smoothie

Tips: Add protein powder added to oatmeal or pancake mix

Recipes: Homemade Turkey Sausage, High Protein Yogurt Parfait, Breakfast Casserole

Whole Grains: Whole grains are a great source of fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Add whole grains to your breakfast with:

Foods: Breads or pancakes made from whole grains, oats, or buckwheat, whole grain cereal.

Recipes: Strawberry Chia Overnight Oats, Protein Booster Blueberry Muffins, Power Pancakes

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and veggies are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Steer clear of fruit juice, which is high in sugar and bad for blood-sugar control. It also lacks the fiber of whole fruits. Add variety to your breakfast with:

Foods: Berries, apples, peaches, pears, bananas*, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, potatoes*, fruit smoothies

Tips: Try fruit toppings on oatmeal or pancakes. Add sautéed veggies to omelets

Recipes: Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Healthy Fats: An important part of our diet, good fats help us absorb nutrients. Add them to breakfast to help keep you satisfied until lunch. Try these healthy fats:

Foods: Olive oil, avocado*, nuts and seeds* (flax, chia, and pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts and pistachios)

Tips: Try nuts and seeds on oatmeal, whole-grain pancakes or in a yogurt parfait

Not a fan of typical breakfast foods?

Think outside the box – like these High Protein Jell-O® Cubes. Consider leftovers, breakfast sandwiches, or other favorite nutritious foods to get your day off to a great start.

Interested in more breakfast ideas?

Sign up for a free myDaVita account and check out this DaVita Breakfast Recipe Cookbook for some great recipes!

*Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end stage renal disease (ESRD) need to limit potassium and other nutrients. Check with your registered dietitian about including these foods in your diet.

Additional Kidney Diet Resources

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

DaVita Food Analyzer

DaVita Dining Out Guides

Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks

DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes

Diet and Nutrition Articles                                                                                                       

Diet and Nutrition Videos

Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes

SOURCES:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163505/

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Christa Lenz, RDN

Christa Lenz lives in W. Michigan and has been a dietitian for over 13 years. She is passionate about helping others understand that their fork is their best weapon in fighting illness and chronic disease! Christa has 3 grown children and 2 adorable grandsons. She is very active and loves the outdoors, especially mountain biking and running!