Kidney Diet Tips

Power Breakfasts for Kidney Diets

Starting your mornings with a kidney-friendly breakfast can set the tone for the rest of your day. You may be less tempted to snack later on foods that don’t agree with your diet. Before you reach for that donut with a mocha frap or sugary cereals as the first meal of you day, I’m here to suggest a better breakfast alternative.

Breakfast Burritos 

A burrito for breakfast is a quick easy way to get your protein and vegetables. Use flour tortillas with eggs and add your favorite low-potassium vegetables such as onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. You can even include diced reduced-sodium turkey deli slices or sausages and a tablespoon of peach or pineapple salsa.

Homemade Pancakes and French Toast

You don’t have to give-up on pancakes! Just make your own batter from scratch for a lower phosphorus and sodium alternative. When you use a recipe you have control over ingredients. Check DaVita.com recipes for baked pancakes, gluten-free pancakes, high protein pancakes, German pancakes and traditional pancakes.

With some substitutions, America’s favorite sweet breakfast item can be made renal-friendly too. Soak French bread in almond milk and eggs. After cooking, top with berries and whipped topping or syrup. French toast is even easier to make than pancakes. You can bake it or make it stovetop. Try Stuffed French Toast or make it into a holiday baked dish. Check out these 5 Fantastic French Toast Recipes. Include a cup of coffee or tea and you’re all set.

Vegetable Omelets

When creating an omelet use regular eggs, egg substitute or egg whites. Fill your omelet with delicious fillings such as mushrooms, onions, cilantro, chilies, bell peppers or your favorite low potassium veggies. For extra protein add a small amount of natural cheese, leftover roast beef or pork, or low-sodium breakfast meat like Homemade Pan Sausage or low-sodium bacon. .

Strata and Frittata

Try a strata or frittata, a combination of eggs and vegetables that make a one dish meal. Prepare on the stovetop or baked, this yummy egg dish provides high quality protein. Small amounts of cheese may be included. But by sticking to a kidney-friendly recipe you can have a small amount of cheese. Other ingredients like bread cubes, spaghetti, chilies, apples, basil, cinnamon and garlic help make you daily breakfast a special treat!

Cereal

Perhaps you are a cereal lover. For dialysis patients there are higher protein cereals that can be combined with a small amount of milk or almond milk and berries to make a meal. Another delicious option is a hot bowl of Quick and Easy Apple Oatmeal Custard. Watch the DaVita Eats video to see how easy it is to make.

Recipes

Take a look at some simple breakfast recipes from DaVita.com for more ideas.

Baked French Toast Custard

Breakfast Burrito

Mushroom and Red Pepper Omelet

Omelet with Summer Vegetables

Pancakes

Super Simple Baked Pancake

The Spicy Frittata

Veggie Strata

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

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.

Takako Lee, RD

Takako has been a registered dietitian for 13 years and enjoys educating people about nutrition. She loves spending time with her husband and two children. She also has interest in kickboxing, hiking, and traveling places to try new foods.